Liz McManus
Question:34 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health if he intends to continue the after hours service for homeless children in the Eastern Health Board area on a statutory basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Services for Homeless Children.
I am pleased to inform the House that the dispute involving social workers who are members of IMPACT which was affecting the after hours service for homeless children in the Eastern Health Board has been deferred. This follows an agreement between the healh board and IMPACT on the appointment of an independent expert to examine the existing service and to make recommendations on future arrangements for providing social work services outside office hours. This examination is already under way and I understand that a report is expected to be completed within a short period. I am confident that this initiative will lead to a complete resolution of this dispute.