The Minister for Children is demanding answers from Oranga Tamariki, over a horrific case of child sexual abuse

Earlier this month it was revealed a Northland-based mother had been sent to prison for 10 years, after admitting using her own daughter - who was just five at the time - as a sexual plaything.

The Herald says the young girl had been on Oranga Tamariki's radar since 2013 -- and a number of people had called the agency to report the mother for neglect and suspected abuse, in the years leading to her arrest.

Minister for Children Tracey Martin has asked the ministry to tell her what happened in this case - if concerns were reported -- and what was done about them.

Oranga Tamariki is refusing to comment on the case publicly.