The total number of 'at risk' children placed in state care increased by more than 300 last year, according to figures contained in the HSE's annual report for 2009.

But despite ongoing concerns about a litany of failures in the system for child protection, the report also reveals that one in five approved foster carers did not have an allocated social worker last year.

This is seen as essential when it comes to providing adequate care and support to vulnerable children.

HSE figures show the number of children in state care last year increased by around 7% to 5,694 in 2009.

In 2008, there were 5,347 children in state care.

It shows the majority of these children – 3,422 – were in foster care, while a further 1,690 were placed in foster care with relatives. Three hundred and eighty eight children were cared for in a residential setting, while the remainder were put in other care placements.