asked the Minister for Health if he will take immediate steps to implement the report of the task force on young offenders; and, if this is not possible, if he will provide a night shelter for the reported 78 children who are sleeping rough in the Dublin area.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Young Offenders' Report.
14.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 13 and 14 together.
The recommendations contained in the Interim Report of the Task Force on Child Care Services, including those relating to children who have no permanent abode, are under urgent consideration in my Department and the other Departments concerned. I am not in a position at this stage to decide on specific proposals on the report's recommendations but I am anxious that improvements in the services should be implemented as soon as possible.
Is there any credence to be attached to a statement made by a spokesman of the Department of Finance, published in a newspaper, to the effect that no progress can be made due to shortage of funds?
That is not peculiar to the Department of Health, or to any one project in it; the funds must be there before one can do anything.
What is the position? There have been newspaper reports to the effect that a Department of Finance official, who is a member of this task force, entered a caveat and said that nothing could happen until the funds were provided. Is there any significance in his making that remark? Does it mean that the recommendations of the task force are to be postponed?
The Deputy will appreciate that all recommendations emanating from working parties necessitate the expenditure of money. The reservation in respect of this proposal, and many other proposals, will be dependent on the availability of money. I would be less than honest if I said otherwise.
We recognise that everything put forward depends on the finance being made available by the Minister for Finance but is there any significance to be attached to the rather unusual step taken on this occasion by an official of the Department of Finance representing his Minister on this body, making this statement? It seemed to take the matter out of the normal process of a proposal being put before the Government and being dealt with in the normal departmental way. Is there any special significance in the statement by this official?
There is no special significance in respect of this or any other proposals that might be put forward in any section of my Department, or any other Department.
Can we take it that, subject to the normal procedures being followed, these recommendations will be implemented?
As far as I am aware, yes.
Arising from the Minister's reply to Question No. 12——
We are dealing now with Question No. 14, which has been answered.
I appreciate that money is scarce——
On what question is the Deputy speaking?
Question No. 14. Could the Minister provide a night shelter which would provide a place for these youngsters to sleep?
I have not ruled out any possibility whatsoever and I will have the Deputy's suggestion examined.