Vol. 461 No. 4
87 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Health the reason the facility for homeless children (details supplied) in Dublin 7 was closed within days of being opened; the criteria used for selection of staff; and the costs involved. [3108/96]
A new unit to provide emergency-short-term care for young people who are either temporarily out of home, or are awaiting a more long-term placement was opened by the Eastern Health Board on 4 January.
Following the first week in operation of the unit a number of problems arose and it was decided to provide a restricted service to enable staff to participate in an in-service training programme. The unit came fully on stream on 22 January.
Staff were recruited for the new unit on the basis of past experience of working with young people, ideally in a residential setting, and-or a professional child care qualification.
The annual running costs are estimated at £350,000.
