Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 8 Nov 2001

Vol. 543 No. 4

Written Answers. - Mental Health Services.

Bernard Allen

Question:

110 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will make a statement on the suggestion by a person (details supplied) that the absence of a residential facility in the North-Western Health Board will involve young people being placed in facilities a long way from home with round trips of up to 300 miles for their families; and his proposals on providing residential facilities for child psychiatry. [27407/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

The first report of the working group on child and adolescent psychiatry recommended that a total of seven child and adolescent in-patient units be developed throughout the country. The recommended size for each unit is 20 beds, providing six beds for the under 12 age group and 14 beds for the 12 to 16 age group. However, the report also stated that health boards may wish to vary numbers depending on need in their own areas.

The report stated that, given the small population of the North-Western Health Board, the provision of a 20-bed unit in the area would be difficult to justify. I am informed that the North-Western Health Board is currently considering this matter and plans to submit a proposal to my Department in due course.