Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 21 Nov 2002

Vol. 557 No. 6

Written Answers. - Child Care Services.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

20 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Health and Children his plans to provide assistance to enable the provision of appropriate health care for children in the Developmental Education Centre at St. Vincent's, Navan Road. [22815/02]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. T. O'Malley)

While particular difficulties have been experienced in delivering services at local level to children attending the Developmental Education Centre at St. Vincent's Centre, Navan Road, I emphasise that 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 the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, 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.

I again appeal to all involved in the delivery of services to these children to ensure that the needs of the children are met by the most appropriate application of the health and educational resources available to the service.