Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 November 2012
572. Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the position regarding the children's detention centre in Lucan, County Dublin; her plans for the premises; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49584/12]
View answerBallydowd Young Peoples Centre, which has a capacity for 10 beds, is one of three Special Care units in the country which are operated by the HSE under a single national governance arrangement. The other two units are Gleann Álainn (Cork) and Coovagh House (Limerick). Special Care involves the detention of a child for his or her own welfare and protection in a Special Care Unit. Special Care Units offer higher staff ratios, on-site education as well as specialised input such as psychology services. The child is not detained as a result of criminal offences, but is placed by way of a Detention Order under the inherent jurisdiction of the High Court. The HSE plans that Ballydowd will continue to function as a Special Care Unit for the foreseeable future. The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) inspects Special Care Units annually under Section 69 of the Child Care Act 1991. Ballydowd received a positive inspection report from HIQA in August 2012 (Report ID:547).
