Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 27 May 1999

Vol. 505 No. 5

Written Answers. - Social Services.

Dick Spring

Question:

30 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children on waiting lists in each health board for social work services arising from complaints of sexual abuse, physical abuse or neglect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14077/99]

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

Following is the position in respect of each health board:

Health Board	No. of Children on waiting lists for social work services
Eastern Health Board	463
Midland Health Board	0
Mid-Western Health Board	19

(Five cases of sexual abuse; six cases of physical abuse and eight cases of neglect).

North-Eastern Health Board	0
North-Western Health Board	16

(Five cases of sexual abuse; one case of physical abuse; eight cases of neglect and two cases of emotional abuse).

South-Eastern Health Board

6

(These are cases involving physical abuse and neglect: the board expects that all cases will be seen within a matter of days)

Southern Health Board	0
Western Health Board	6

(Three cases of sexual abuse; three cases of neglect)

In the case of the Eastern Health Board, I have been advised that all cases requiring an immediate response receive it. Many of the cases on the waiting list have undergone an initial assessment and are awaiting reports from other specialist agencies.