The Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny has accused the Minister for Children  of covering up 20 reports into the deaths of children in the care of the State.

Mr Kenny said the cover up was similar to the secrecy in the Catholic Church – which suppressed child sexual abuse.

Yesterday, Fine Gael published a report into the death of an 18 year old young woman who died on the streets – while in the care of the state.

But a HSE spokesman said today that there are 20 other similar reports which remain unpublished.

The Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny accused the government of a cover up.

“Everybody in the country’s been criticising the Catholic Church for covering up child sexual abuse” he said.

“What’s the difference when the HSE and the Minster for Children is covering up reports that indicate serious, appalling, fundamental State neglect of children in care?” he added.

But speaking on behalf of the government in the Dail, Transport Minister Noel Dempsey rejected the claims.

“I’d reject totally the accusation, made by members opposite, that the Minister is covering up anything” he said.

“There is and are proper procedures in place to deal with reports like this” he added.