Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 11 Apr 2001

Vol. 534 No. 4

Written Answers - Children in Care.

Michael Creed

Question:

241 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has received complaints regarding the alleged improper treatment of residents at a location (details supplied) in County Dublin; the level and frequency of inspections of this facility by the social services inspectorate; and if it will investigate alleged improper treatment of a person (details supplied). [11092/2001]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

I have received no complaints concerning the treatment of residents at the location referred to by the Deputy. However, I am aware that the Deputy has raised concerns with the director of the centre about the programme being provided for a boy who is resident there. The centre is currently considering these concerns and I expect to receive a report shortly. Any further action required in the matter will be considered at that stage.

The boy in question has had a long history of being in residential care, involving a number of residential establishments. Occasionally, he exhibits extreme behaviour patterns and also suffers from a severe medical problem, which presents challenges for those caring for him. I am aware that an incident took place at the centre some weeks involving the boy and a special programme was subsequently developed to meet his needs. The staff of the centre in question are working collaboratively with the boy's family and other relevant agencies in supporting the implementation of the programme which is kept under review.

Centres for young offenders are subject to inspection by a Department inspector appointed under the 1908 Children Act for this purpose. The inspector is supported in his role by a specialist child care adviser, who regularly visits the centres to observe practice and to advise management and staff in relation to particular cases. On average, these personnel visit these centres more often than once a month. The centre in question was also subject to a comprehensive external inspection in 2000 and its recommendations are currently being implemented. In addition, the inspection process is supported by regular visits to the centre by members of the board of management and other external agencies with responsibilities for the welfare of the young people being cared for. The social services inspectorate, that was established by my colleague the Minister for Health and Children, does not have any role in relation to these centres.