Children in Care

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 July 2012

Thursday, 19 July 2012

Questions (671)

Patrick Nulty

Question:

678 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of high support and-or special care secure accommodation unit residential places in total in the State; if she will confirm the location of the facilities in question; if she will confirm the number of children currently awaiting such a placement on the direction and-or recommendation of a judge; if she will outline the average waiting time for a child to be provided such a placement after the direction and-or recommendation of a judge; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36521/12]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald)

There are three designated special care units in the country where children are detained on order of the high court for their own safety. There is a unit in Ballydowd in Dublin, which has a capacity of 10 beds, another in Gleann Álainn in Cork with a capacity of 5 beds and Coovagh House in Limerick with a capacity of 5 beds, although I am advised by the HSE that admissions to Coovagh House are capped at 2 for the present time following refurbishment of the unit.

There are two National High Support Units in Ireland, Rath Na nÓg, Castleblaney and Crannóg Nua, Portrane with a total of 16 places. With respect to the other matters raised by the Deputy, I have asked the HSE for the most up to date figures and I will correspond directly with the Deputy when these are received.