asked the Minister for Health if he will take all necessary steps to have the children begging on O'Connell Bridge and other parts of Dublin taken into proper care in view of the approach of winter and the hardship involved.
Written Answers. - Begging Children.
371.
The problem of children, particularly travelling children, who are begging and sleeping rough, has been receiving urgent attention during recent months. A working group representative of the Eastern Health Board, Dublin Corporation, the Department of Justice and the Garda have been meeting regularly under the chairmanship of an officer of my Department to achieve rapid implementation of an agreed programme.
As a result of these meetings and the efforts of the Dublin Committee for Settlement of Travelling People, considerable progress has been made in tackling the problem. A second day care centre and a small hostel have been provided. The children most at risk and in need of care have been identified, their needs assessed and every effort is being made to provide better community services for them.
A number of places in residential homes have recently been provided and additional places are being sought. A special reception centre is due to be opened before the end of this year. Certain short term measures such as the provision of meals and overnight accommodation are also being planned, in association with a number of voluntary organisations.
These arrangements will considerably reduce the incidence of hardship for the children involved, and every effort will continue to be made to bring about long-term improvements in the quality of life of these children and their families.