Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 22 Apr 1999

Vol. 503 No. 5

Written Answers. - Child Care Services.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

64 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress, if any, achieved to date in establishing a high support unit for children at Portrane, County Dublin, and a secure support unit near Lucan, County Dublin, in view of his post-budget announcement; the number of places which will be provided in each unit; when each unit will come on stream; if additional staff are being recruited to staff both these units; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10567/99]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. Fahey)

The construction of a special care unit providing 24 places at Ballydowd, Lucan commenced in January 1999. It is anticipated that this unit will come on stream in early 2000. Planning of a 24 bed high support unit which will be built at Portrane is at an advanced stage. It is anticipated that this unit will be ready in early 2001. Funding has been made available in 1999 to allow recruitment to begin for the Ballydowd unit.