Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 13 Feb 2001

Vol. 530 No. 3

Written Answers. - Child Care Services.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

171 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 153 of 6 February 2001, the facilities run by the security firm in question have been registered; if they have been inspected by the social services inspectorate; the findings of such inspections; if temporary or casual staff working in these centres are required to have Garda clearance; the nature of the child care qualification which he states is held by approximately 50% of the staff; his views on the suitability of such a facility in providing appropriate care to highly vulnerable children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3857/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

I have been informed by the Eastern Regional Health Authority that the registration and inspection service operated by the area health boards in the eastern region has made a preliminary visit to the facility referred by the Deputy and has outlined the requirements regarding the registration of the facility as a child care centre under the Child Care Act, 1991. The registration and inspection service of the area health boards is due to commence an inspection of the facility at the end of this month.

As the Deputy is aware residential homes operated by the health boards are subject to inspection by the social services inspectorate, whilst children's residential centres not operated by health boards are subject to inspection by health boards. I should add that the social service inspectorate provides training for, and holds regular meetings with, health board inspectors as well as monitoring health board inspection reports etc.

The Eastern Regional Health Authority has been informed that all staff working at the facility concerned are required to obtain Garda clearance.

The authority has stated that relevant experience and qualifications, including child care qualifications, held by staff at the facility include:–

No. of Staff	Qualifications
1	Bachelor of Social Work
1	Masters of Social Work
2	Masters degrees in Education
2	Diploma in outdoor pursuits / Instructors
1	Diploma Child Psychology Social Studies, Play Therapy
1	Diploma in Performing Arts
1	NCI Applied Social Studies
1	Qualified Nurse
1	National Certificate in Education, Drug Awareness and Leadership Training
1	Diploma in Professional Counselling
1	Certificate in Childcare Education
1	Nursing Science Degree
2	Diploma in cookery
1	Care Assistant Course
1	Doing Diploma Course in Childcare
2	Former health board care staff.

All staff, including those listed above, have taken part in ‘in-house training' which is ongoing.

The authority has also pointed out that the three area health boards in the eastern region have been placing children in facilities run by the child care division of the organisation concerned as an interim measure, as the boards are currently developing a wide range of new and alternative services for children and young people in the region.

The authority has informed me that young people are placed in the facility on an individual basis. Regular reviews are held, a teacher has been appointed to provide daily tuition and to prepare the young people for mainstream education. A staff consultant-trainer has also been engaged by the organisation concerned.