Seán Barrett
Question:82 Mr. S. Barrett asked the Minister for Health if he intends to allocate funds to the Lillie Road Centre Limited to establish a residential centre for deprived boys in or near Dublin.
Written Answers. - Establishment of Residential Centre.
I am aware of the proposal by the Lillie Road Centre Limited for the establishment of a residential unit for adolescent boys.
Representatives of the company have discussed the project with my colleague, Deputy Flood, Minister of State, and have also met officials of the Eastern Health Board and of other statutory bodies.
Over the last few months, the Eastern Health Board, in association with the voluntary sector, has developed a number of new residential services for deprived children and homeless youngsters. These include a new emergency hostel for homeless girls in Dublin city; a new residential unit for deprived boys in Dalkey; a new therapeutic unit for difficult adolescents in Naas, County Kildare; and other short term accommodation such as digs, sheltered flats and semi-independent living accommodation.
In addition to these developments, the Eastern Health Board is currently involved in negotiations with Focus Point and the Salesian Fathers regarding the establishment of a further residential project for homeless youngsters.
When all of these services are fully operational, the Eastern Health Board will be in a better position to assess whether the level of provision is adequate to meet demands. The Lillie Road Centre proposals will be considered in the context of any gap in current service provision which this assessment might bring to light.