The parents involved in a child care case before the High Court say they are willing to extend a voluntary care agreement until February.

The foster parents of the two children do not want them to be returned until allegations of sexual abuse are fully examined.

All of the parties in these proceedings have spent some time in the corridors of the Four Courts trying to come up with some sort of arrangement that would serve the best interests of both the children and their natural parents.

Serious allegations of sexual abuse in the family home were made in March 2014 but the Child and Family Agency Tusla paved the way for their return by withdrawing an application for permanent care orders last May.

The children’s foster parents went to the High Court to temporarily block the reunification.

The parties failed to reach a compromise behind closed doors, but the natural parents are willing to enter a voluntary care agreement until February 2017.

Counsel for the court-appointed guardian representing the interests of the children objected.

Gerard Durkan said he did not want to sign up to such an agreement without the relevant safeguards put in place.

The hearing continues.