Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 7 Nov 1995

Vol. 457 No. 7

Written Answers. - Child Care Act.

Máire Geoghegan-Quinn

Question:

114 Mrs. Geoghegan-Quinn asked the Minister for Health the current schedule for the full implementation of the Child Care Act, 1991, and the recommendations of the Kilkenny incest inquiry from May 1993; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16230/95]

Máire Geoghegan-Quinn

Question:

119 Mrs. Geoghegan-Quinn asked the Minister for Health the plans, if any, he has for an increase in staffing and improvements in structures for the overseeing of the implementation of 44 more sections of the Child Care Act by the end of October 1995; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16235/95]

Minister for State at the Department of Health (Mr. Currie):

I propose to take Questions Nos. 114 and 119 together.

The Government is firmly committed to the full implementation of the Child Care Act at the earliest possible date. As the House is aware, I recently made an Order bringing 44 sections of the Act into operation on 31 October last. These form the bulk of the legislation and include key sections dealing with the protection of children in emergencies, care proceedings and the powers and duties of health boards in relation to children in their care.

These provisions greatly strengthen the powers of the courts, the health boards and the gardaí to intervene to protect children from abuse and neglect. It is my intention to bring the remaining provisions of the Act into operation next year. These relate to the supervision of pre-school services and the registration of children's residential centres.

In relation to the recommendations of the report of the Kilkenny Incest Investigation, I woud refer the Deputy to my reply to a question on 25 May last. It will be noted from that reply that the majority of the recommendations have been or are in the process of being implemented. The main development that has occurred in the meantime has been the commencement of the 44 sections of the Child Care Act that I have already mentioned.

With regard to the question of additional resources, I would point out that a sustained programme for investment in child care services has taken place over the last three years. Since 1993, additional funding of the order of £30 million on an annualised basis has been provided to develop child care and family support services and to strengthen the capacity of the health boards to meet the demands of the new legislation.

The Child Care Action Plan, 1995, which I launched last July provided for a wide range of service developments including——

—The creation of some 342 additional posts for the child care services. This brings to over 850 the total number of new posts created in the child care services since 1993.

—The expansion or assessment and therapeutic services for the victims of child abuse.

—The provision of additional accommodation and supports for homeless youngsters.

—The establishment of new special care units catering for children who are out of control.

—The development of locally-based helping services to assist families in difficulty.

—Increased financial support for voluntary groups providing services for victims of family violence.

I am conscious of the fact that much work remains to be done to attain the standard and quality of child care services that we all desire. I will, with the support of the Minister for Health, be seeking additional resources for child care in the Estimates for 1996.

Máire Geoghegan-Quinn

Question:

115 Mrs. Geoghegan-Quinn asked the Minister for Health his views on the reported restriction of hepatitis C clinics to one day per week in some treatment units; his further views on the consequent effects on patients who have to travel long distances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16231/95]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan,

Limerick East): There has been no reduction in clinics for hepatitis C patients. Treatment for those who test positive for hepatitis C is being provided at special consultant staffed clinics at six designated hospitals: St. James's Hospital, Dublin, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Mater Hospital, Dublin, St. Vincent's Hospital, Dublin, Cork University Hospital, University College Hospital, Galway. Every effort is made at all times to accommodate the needs of patients in consultation with their hepatologists.

A limited ex-gratia expenses scheme is being operated by the BTSB to ensure that all those who have contracted hepatitis C from a blood transfusion or blood product are in a position to avail of the health services.