An inspection of the Ballydowd Special Care Unit in Dublin has highlighted problems with some of the care provided to young people there.

Officials from the Health Information and Quality Authority visited the facility, unannounced, in July after someone raised a concern about the practice of 'single separation'.

That practice is supposed to see a seriously disruptive young person isolated 'for as short a period as possible' to give them an opportunity to regain self-control.

However during their inspections at Ballydowd, officials found that some children were locked in rooms for unnecessary prolonged periods, some had no access to toilet facilities or showers, and some remained overnight in secure rooms without mattresses.

Responding today, Tusla - the Child and Family Agency - said it accepts that the processes underpinning the use of single separation were not adequate.

The agency has expressed regret over this and said it's currently taking steps to strengthen its decision making procedures and facilities.

The Chief Operating Officer with Tusla, Fred McBride, says perhaps, in some cases, they didn't strike the right balance. However he says the agency is taking steps to strengthen its decision making procedures and facilities.

"There's no question that these scenarios will be shocking to the public but I think the public also should know that on occasions what we're dealing with here is situations where a young person's life could be at risk," he said.

Mr McBride discussed the need to balance the need for discipline and a child's basic rights and care.

Listen below to Mr McBride speaking to Newstalk Lunchtime earlier today:

Education Minister Jan O'Sullivan says she believes improvements can be made following the HIQA inspection of the Ballydowd Special Care Unit: