Vol. 557 No. 6
168 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the continuing difficulties for children with profound disabilities who attend an institution (details supplied) in Dublin 7; and his proposals to resolve the problems. [23052/02]
I am aware of the difficulties which have arisen in the provision of educational and health related support services to children attending the developmental education centre on the Navan Road. There has been no reduction in the level of resources available from the health services to support the children. I have been assured by the management in St. Vincent's centre that every effort is being made to fill the nursing vacancies in this service.
With my colleagues, the Minister for Education and Science, Deputy Dempsey and Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science, Deputy Lenihan, I met representatives of the parents. Officials from my Department have been in contact with the management of the centre. Local management has been endeavouring to resolve the difficulties and this process is ongoing. It was agreed that the two Departments would nominate two people with relevant professional experience in this area to provide whatever assistance they can to local management in the matter. The two people nominated by the Departments met representatives of the families and other relevant parties. As part of the internal process to resolve the difficulties which have arisen in the services, a facilitator was appointed by local management and an internal working group established to work with the various professionals with a view to reaching a resolution in these matters. This process is nearing completion and I understand the facilitator's report is due shortly.
Once again I appeal to all involved in the delivery of services to these children to ensure the needs of the children are met by the most appropriate application of the health and educational resources available to the service.
Question No. 169 answered with Question No. 6.
Question No. 170 answered with Question No. 15.
