The potential closure of a UK mental health facility that cares for Irish children is being described as "deeply worrying" by Fianna Fáil.
The St Andrew's Healthcare Adolescent Service in Northampton is at risk of closure following a critical report into its practices by the UK care commission.
Issues identified by the commission include juveniles being held in isolation rooms without bedding or chairs.
A report also highlights issues such as "blanket restrictions without justification" in wards, and some cases of "undignified and
disrespectful" practices.
Overall, the service was given an 'inadequate' rating by the UK's Care Quality Commission.
Inspectors have now placed the service into 'special measures'.
If improvements aren't made within six months, officials could begin the process of "preventing the provider from operating the service".
Six Irish children are currently at the facility.
Fianna Fáil spokesperson on mental health, James Browne, says the situation highlights the pressing need for more resources to treat them in Ireland.
He observed: "I've raised this matter with the Taoiseach in the past - it's a matter that does need to be addressed with some urgency.
"But to see that the care commission in the UK is raising very real concerns about facilities where Irish are being sent - and they're only being sent there because we don't have the facilities here in Ireland - is deeply, deeply worrying.
"I think the HSE has to answer what supervision or monitoring are they putting in when they're sending our children to another country for care."
Deputy Browne added that children recover best from mental health issues closest to their home, so sending them abroad "is not best practice".
