asked the Minister for Education if it is proposed to increase the grants payable in respect of children in residential care centres.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Residential Care Grants.
2.
This question is under urgent consideration by the Departments involved and the Minister for Health and I are meeting representatives of the Conference of Major Religious Superiors this week to discuss this and other related matters.
How many children are involved in the possible closure of eight centres?
The question of possible closure was not raised by the Department but by the people speaking for the homes and it would be more appropriate if that question were addressed to the people who made the statement. They would be able to give direct details of what they had in mind. The Tánaiste will be meeting the Conference of Major Religious Superiors and it is to be hoped an amicable arrangement can be reached at that meeting.
May we take it that these centres will not be closed?
The question of their closure was not raised by my Department but by the homes themselves, the only people who can make a categorical statement. Efforts will be made to see that that does not happen and that the maximum amount of assistance available will be given to help that work.