An independent investigation into the discovery is pending as questions are asked as to why those files, in addition to almost 1,000 others, were not properly acted upon.
The files, some of which date back a decade, would have been referred to the HSE or Tusla by gardaí at the time, but recent reports suggest many went unidentified leading the agency to launch an internal investigation.
Having been notified of the issue on Monday, Minister for Children, James Reilly has said: "Immediately upon being notified of the issue I met yesterday, with the CEO of Tusla and also discussed the matter with the chairperson of the Tusla Board of Management. I have sought and have been assured by Tusla that all necessary measures to deal comprehensively with the situation have been, or are being, put in place."
Gordon Jeyes, Tusla's Chief Executive, also spoke out about the matter, saying: "I am taking this matter very seriously and an investigation will be conducted, independent of the local management, by the director of quality assurance. Existing management and reporting processes will also be closely scrutinised as part of this review process."
Asked whether there were concerns over child safety since the revelation, a spokeswoman acknowledged that there exists serious worry, saying: "There is a fear there."
Failure to respond to numerous referrals over the course of ten years has led Minister for Foreign Affairs, Charlie Flanagan, to say: "My priority now is to ensure that any child at risk in Laois/Offaly as a result of these failures is identified without delay and appropriate actions are taken."
Acknowledging Tusla for drawing attention to the shocking oversight, Mr. Flanagan said: "I welcome Túsla’s actions in bringing in two external independent child experts to deal urgently with the referrals that have come to light."
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