asked the Minister for Education if his Department have decided on an appropriate placing for a young person (details supplied) in Dublin 13 who is being cared for in Trinity House up until August 1986; and if he will make a statement on all reports available to date in relation to his behaviour patterns and the resources available within his Department to find adequate care for him for the future.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Placing of Young Person.
15.
This boy was committed through the courts to Trinity House school for a period of two years. He is due for discharge on 20 August this year and the school authorities have no legal power to detain him after that date.
Recent psychological tests indicate that he is functioning intellectually in the lower end of the mild mental handicap range. Although able to make progress in the school's programme for weeks at a time, his behaviour has often been severely disturbed and aggressive. He is now over 17 years of age and does not wish to remain at school.
There are no resources within my Department geared to the needs of this boy when he leaves Trinity House.
The management of Trinity House are in consultation with the Eastern Health Board psychiatric services with regard to arrangements for his future.
Is the Minister aware that this person is suffering from an acute form of emotional disturbance and is between mildly and moderately mentally handicapped, as stated in the pyschiatric reports, and recently spent a term in prison? Will the Minister indicate the view of the Department in regard to the care necessary for this young man? Will the Minister think again regarding the duties and responsibilities of the State to people who are suffering in this way? Will the Minister agree that, as a nation, we must provide the resources to take on problems that are clearly identifiable and look after people who need professional care?
I share the Deputy's general sentiments in this regard. In relation to the specific case, I trust that when the discussions between the Eastern Health Board psychiatric services and the management of Trinity House are concluded there will be a satisfactory future for the young man in question.
My concern is that in the next couple of months this young man will be released from Trinity House. The Department of Health have informed me that they do not have any responsibility in the matter with the result that the young man will be let out on to the streets and, like many others, will find his way in a short time back to prison. I have the consent of the parents to make that statement in the House. Will the Minister give an unequivocal commitment that this young man will not be discharged from the care of the State until appropriate psychiatric and other care is provided for him on a full time basis? Will the Minister give a commitment not to discharge him until the relevant professionals are satisfied that he is capable of going out into society with a reasonable chance of survival?
The relevant professionals are dealing with the case at the moment.
Discussions are being held between the psychiatric services of the health board and the management of Trinity House about the problem and I hope they can arrive at a satisfactory conclusion.
Is the Minister aware that the last assessment of this young man, who was accompanied by one of his parents, lasted three or four minutes? Will the Minister get officials of the Department to examine the modus operandi of assessors in such acute cases?
I will take the Deputy's comments into account when following up this case.
Will the Minister communicate with me before the termination of his stay?
Yes.