The fitness-to-practice inquiry in Dublin on Monday is being held by CORU – the regulatory body of health and social care professionals.

Mr O’Gorman was commenting on a Hiqa report into child and welfare services in the Dublin South West, Kildare and West Wicklow service area which said that children who alleged abuse, inappropriate contact and sexual assault had been left on waiting lists for months.

The interim chief executive of Tusla Kate Duggan has said the number of social workers graduating needs to rise from 200 to 500 per year

The 29-year-old man has pleaded not guilty to 10 charges involving sexual assault, reckless endangerment and child cruelty

Mr Justice Alexander Owens found that fair procedures were not afforded to a man accused of sexual assault during the investigation by the Child and Family Agency (CFA) social workers.