Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 15 Feb 1996

Vol. 461 No. 6

Written Answers. - Child Care Home.

Tony Gregory

Question:

64 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Health his views on whether it is appropriate that the recreation rooms of a child care home (details supplied) in Dublin 1, be located in a multiple occupancy dwelling next door resulting in young girls in care coming in contact with adult men returning home from pubs late at night and being regularly in confrontation with male tenants due to the severe disruption caused by extreme noise levels of music and others; and if a more appropriate use could be found for the two rooms in question. [3407/96]

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

The unit in question was opened by the Eastern Health Board on 4 January.

The arrangement is that the board has contracted for the exclusive use of the premises, including the recreation rooms. The proprietor of the premises also owns the building next door. At one point it had been possible, although not permissible, to pass from one building to the other via a doorway. I understand from the Eastern Health Board that a partition is currently under construction which will ensure the absolute separation of the two premises and that sound proofing has also been installed. These renovations, which I expect to be fully completed very shortly, will eliminate the possibility of such incidents referred to by the Deputy.

The centre is staffed by ten child care workers, including an acting manager. It comprises one element of the board's new crisis intervention service which is managed by a newly appointed senior social worker. I am satisfied that a high standard of care is maintained in the unit.