Paul McGrath
Question:232 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children being assessed for sexual abuse by social work teams in the NAHB area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8902/03]
Written Answers - Child Abuse.
Paul McGrath
Question:233 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children being assessed for sexual abuse by social work teams in the ERHB area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8903/03]
Paul McGrath
Question:234 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children awaiting assessment for sexual abuse in St. Claire's unit in Temple Street Hospital, Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8904/03]
Paul McGrath
Question:235 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children awaiting assessment for sexual abuse in St. Louise's unit in Our Lady's Hospital, Crumlin, Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8905/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 232 to 235, inclusive, together.
Responsibility for the provision of the services referred to by the Deputy is a matter for the Eastern Regional Health Authority and the area health boards. My Department does not routinely collect the data sought. However, during the week ending 28 March 2003, information was provided to my Department by the Eastern Regional Health Authority in respect of St. Louise's unit at Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin, which indicates that there are 44 referrals awaiting assessment where all information has been received and another 24 referrals are being processed, that is, awaiting further information such as case conferences, medical, Garda or health board reports. I should also add the that Eastern Regional Health Authority has initiated a detailed review of the referral, assessment and treatment processes and associated waiting times and numbers at St. Louise's unit and St. Claire's unit, Temple Street Hospital.
I have asked the regional chief executive of the Eastern Regional Health Authority to reply directly to the Deputy with the information sought in respect of the authority, the Northern Area Health Board and St. Claire's unit.