Vol. 489 No. 6
472 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children with behavioural problems in each health board area who are receiving treatment abroad; the countries concerned; and the cost in each case. [9437/98]
I understand from the health boards and there are ten children in care outside the State at present.
The Mid-Western Health Board has three children in care outside the State. All three are placed in England at a cost of £1,685, £2,224 and £3,994 sterling per week respectively. These costs can vary depending on access visits and reviews.
The North-Eastern Health Board has one child placed in Belfast at a cost of approximately £440 sterling per week. There are also additional costs associated with this placement relating to access visits which amount to approximately £200 per week.
The South-Eastern Health Board has two children placed outside the State. One child is placed in Wales at a cost of £342 per day. The other placement, which is in England, costs £1,795 sterling per week.
The Southern Health Board has four children placed outside the State. Two of these children are in England, one at a cost of £2,199 sterling per week and the other at a cost of £2,508 sterling per week. The other two are in Northern Ireland at a cost of £1,450 sterling each per week.
At present, the Eastern Health Board, the Midland Health Board, the North Western Health Board and the Western Health Board do not have any children placed outside the State.
Efforts are being made by the health boards to provide suitable facilities within the State for children with special behaviour needs.
