Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 27 Oct 1993

Vol. 435 No. 1

Written Answers. - Interdepartmental Group Report.

Austin Currie

Question:

172 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for Health whether conclusion 4.1.E.5 of the report of the interdepartmental group which examined urban crime and disorder in the Ronanstown area of Dublin West, that a range of health-related plans for Ronanstown including a family support project, alternative care project, expansion of child psychiatric services, crisis response service, health promotion/health education and provision of a day centre for the physically disabled has been implemented; if not when it will be; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Health (Mr. Howlin)

Those recommendations of the report of the interdepartmental group referred to by the Deputy which relate to the health services are being addressed by the Eastern Health Board on a progressive basis, as resources permit.

Arising from the group's examination of the situation in the Ronanstown area, a number of specific initiatives were undertaken by the Eastern Health Board to improve the availability of services locally. These measures include: the provision of ante and post natal services in Rowlagh Health Centre under an arrangement made with the Coombe Hospital, the establishment of a community based Drugs/AIDS satellite clinic in the campus of Cherry Orchard Hospital and the appointment of a third drugs counsellor to the area.

The recommendations of the interdepartmental group in relation to the development of a range of child care and family support services will be pursued by the EHB in the context of its responsibilities under the Child Care Act, 1991. In this regard, the Deputy will be aware that the Government has decided that the Act is to be implemented in full over a three year period and that it has made available an additional £5 million this year, amounting to £10 million in a full year, to begin the process. This special allocation is being used to fund a major programme of new developments which will greatly strengthen the capacity of the health boards to respond to children and families in need.

Funding has been made available to the health board for the development of an integrated family-school project in North Clondalkin. The recent appointment of a project leader will accelerate the recruitment of the other staff. The board is currently looking at a number of premises in the area.

The health board is also endeavouring to acquire a suitable premises for use as a day activation centre catering for physically disabled people in the Dublin west and north west areas, including Clondalkin.