Gardai and the health authorities are investigating whether a child found abandoned in Dublin city centre was smuggled into the country.

The teenage girl was discovered outside the General Post Office (GPO) in the capital over a week ago but her identity or nationality has not been established.

The child is now in the care of the Health Service Executive (HSE), and a garda investigation has been launched.

She is believed to be aged between 14 and 16-years-old. She was found disorientated and alone outside the GPO last weekend.

The teen had no identification on her and was not able to speak to officers until several days later.

Crime Correspondent with the Irish Daily Star is Michael O'Toole. He told Lunchtime here on Newstalk that she is communicating through drawings.