I am aware that in order to implement the Bill effectively there will be major resource implications for the child care services. This year £3 million in revenue has already been made available to the health boards. This will allow them to begin putting the necessary structures for services required under the terms of the legislation in place. In addition, under the national development plan, additional capital funding is being made available for child care services, including provision for high support-special care units and accommodation for community and preventive services. This investment will be required to ensure that the special care units are only used as a last resort
My Department is involved in ongoing discussions with the health boards in relation to the additional resources, both personnel and financial, which will be required under the legislation. I understand that the health board chief executive officers are deliberating on the implications of the Bill when it is enacted and I expect that they will be making a formal submission to my Department shortly.