Four children left home alone by their mother have been taken into care by the HSE.
The three girls aged 12, six and four, and their five-month-old brother were found at a house in Navan on Tuesday without adult supervision.
Gardaí found the children after being alerted to the situation by a member of the public.
They seized the children under the provisions of the Child Care Act.
Gardaí said they hope to speak to the children's mother as soon as she returns to the Navan area.
It is believed their mother travelled to England and is due home tomorrow.
The children were said to have appeared well-cared for otherwise.
It is understood they will be cared for by the HSE until next week.
