A new report by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has highlighted serious child protection issues at a high-dependency support unit for teenagers in Dublin's north-east.

An unannounced inspection was held in October at Crannog Nua, where boys and girls between the ages of 12 and 17 live. Inspectors found some practices within the unit did not meet basic child protection standards, placing clients at risk.

HIQA found that corridor doors were locked for 12 hours between bedtime at 8pm and breakfast time at 8am, breaching fire safety regulations and the human rights' of the children.

Inspectors also noted that during one 12-month period at the unit, when only three girls and one boy were staying there, there were 134 unauthorised absences.

Despite the findings, inspectors said there was a good standard of care being provided to children in many areas. However, their report said outcomes for some children were poor, due to their complex needs not being met and overall management of risk-taking behaviour. Children living at the unit were placing themselves at risk of harm, and their failure to attend school meant they were being left ill-prepared by the education system.

During a previous inspection at the unit, eight recommendations were made - they were largely acted on.