Brian O'Shea
Question:399 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children his proposals to provide a duty social worker service at weekends; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7674/03]
Written Answers - Child Care Services.
In responding to the Deputy's question I am assuming the Deputy is referring to an out-of-hours service in our child care services.
As the Deputy is aware the need for the development and provision of an out-of-hours service to deal with emergency situations outside of normal working hours has been highlighted in the reports of the working group on foster care, A Child Centred Partnership, 2001, and in the youth homelessness strategy.
Following on from the publication of these reports the health boards were asked to give specific consideration to the recommendations relating to establishing an out-of-hours service and to revert to my Department with their views and proposals. I understand that the health board chief executive officers are currently considering this issue and have not as yet submitted their proposals to my Department in this regard.