Tony Gregory
Question:83 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, arising from her reply to Question No. 257 on Wednesday, 26 January 1994, the present position of a person (details supplied).
Written Answers. - Welfare of Person.
I have previously set out my Department's responsibilities in this matter and indicated that, arising from discussions between officials of the Departments of Health, Education and Justice, it is considered that unless there is a requirement for custody on conviction for criminal offences, the person concerned should be cared for in a health board-related facility.
I am informed by the Department of Health that social work staff of the Eastern Health Board have been monitoring the welfare of the person in question. The board have tried, without success, to get her to attend day centres and training programmes.
Refurbishment work at a residential unit is due to be completed by the end of April, 1994. A place will be available there for the person concerned from 3 May, 1994. However, it is not clear whether she would be prepared to accept the offer of a place there. My advice from the Department of Health is that the health board could not compel her to do so.