asked the Minister for Health if he has satisfied himself with the treatment and other arrangements for a child (details supplied) who is confined with adults in a locked ward in a psychiatric hospital; and if he intends to take any steps to alter the situation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Treatment of Child.
28.
I do not think that the present placement of this child is the best arrangement. I am satisfied however that the present treatment and other arrangements are the most suitable that the health board can make at this time, having regard to the difficulty in having him placed in special accommodation for disturbed mentally handicapped. Such a specialised unit does not exist at present in the South-Eastern Health Board area and the board are continuing their efforts to have the child placed in a more suitable setting outside the board's area.
I may mention that the child was admitted to the hospital with his father's consent. He is visited regularly by his parents and special arrangements have been made for him to attend daily at a local day school for handicapped children.