Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 January 2005
215 Mr. Gormley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her plans to investigate the way in which health boards apparently paid out €85 million in 2004 to keep just 600 children in residential care; the fact that one health board is paying out €19,000 a week for special arrangements for one child; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1091/05]
View answerThe Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Responsibility for provision of residential care for children in care rests with the executive. My Department has requested the primary, community and continuing care directorate of the Health Service Executive to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
