New figures show more than 9,000 children at risk or suffering from neglect or welfare concerns are waiting to be allocated a social worker.
The Child and Family Agency say there were 3,250 high priority cases over the summer waiting for a response.
The agency's Chief Executive says their funding is 10 percent below what's required to provide the current level of services.
Advertisement
Speaking to Lunchtime with Jonathan Healy, Gordon Jeyes of TUSLA says another 60 million euro would be needed to be able to react to forthcoming changes:
