Nearly 200 children have died in State care or while known to child protection services since 2014.

One-fifth of the deaths were officially classified as suicides.

The new figures have been released to Aontú leader Peadar Toibín, in response to a Parliamentary Question.

In all, 23 children have died in State care since 2014.

Almost half (11) were the result of natural causes, while just over one-third (8) were classed as suicide.

The remaining deaths were as a result of either medical conditions or substance abuse.

Child protection services

The figures show a further 176 children have died while known to Tusla's child protection services since 2014.

Some 84 were due to natural causes and 30 were classed as suicide.

The remaining deaths were categorised as homicides, drug overdoses, road traffic accidents, other accidents, and unknown causes of death.

They were reported to the National Review Panel – and Aontu's spokesperson on children, Luke Silke, has seen their reports.

"Absolutely harrowing"

“They're absolutely harrowing, very detailed reports. Each child is prescribed a pseudonym and there are multiple failures evident in the findings of those reports,” he said.

“For example, I was shocked to learn that if a child is abusing drugs or alcohol, then their referral to CAMHS will not be accepted.

“It is very hard to see the logic in that.”

He said the State is failing vulnerable children.

“It is evident from the reports that are produced by the National Review Panel, that there are failings – that there are children falling through the cracks,” he said.

“So, in terms of DEIS schools and councillor assistance and disadvantaged areas and things like that, I think we do need a lot more supports.”