Vol. 450 No. 6
74 Miss Harney asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an appropriate place of safety for a person (details supplied) in Tallaght, Dublin 24, where he will be restricted from running away and placing himself in danger; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Eastern Health Board is refusing information to this person's parents in relation to his legal status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5367/95]
As I indicated to the Deputy in my reply on 23 February last, the Eastern Health Board has been involved with the young person in question and his family for some time. The board, recently paid to have him flown back from London to Dublin. He was then placed in temporary accommodation until a more suitable long term placement could be organised. I understand that these arrangements were made with the prior knowledge of the child's parents. A few days after his arrival, however, he returned independently to London. I understand that he is currently in emergency accommodation arranged by Westminster Social services.
The Eastern Health Board have advised me that they are at present involved in intensive contact with Westminster social services. They are also keeping in touch with the boy's parents. I understand that the young person has expressed a strong desire to remain in London. I understand also that the parents, through their solicitor, recently raised a number of legal queries about the case with the Eastern Health Board, including the question of the young person's legal status, and that the board will be responding to these shortly. I am satisfied that the Eastern Health Board has made considerable attempts to assist this young person and his family and that it will continue its efforts in this regard.
