Child Detention Centres

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 October 2012

Tuesday, 23 October 2012

Questions (579)

Patrick Nulty

Question:

579. Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the position as of this month on the number of high support and or special care secure accommodation unit residential places in total here; if she will confirm the location of the facilities; if she will further confirm the up-to-date position as of this month regarding the number of children currently awaiting such a placement on the direction and/or recommendation of a judge; if she will outline the current 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. [46467/12]

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 4 beds and Coovagh House in Limerick with a capacity of 3 beds. There are two National High Support Units in Ireland, Rath Na nÓg, Castleblaney and Crannóg Nua, Portrane with a total of 10 places. As of the 23rd October 2012, there are 3 young people approved and awaiting a special care intervention and one young person approved and awaiting a placement in a High Support Unit. I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy with the average waiting time for admission to the 3 Special Care Units during 2012.