Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 May 2014
598. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the lack of places for school leavers at St. Michael's House, Dublin 9 and the Measc Road service, Dublin 5; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21116/14]
View answerIn line with the Health Service Executive (HSE) Social Care Division Operational Plan 2014, a revised process is being implemented this year to ensure a more streamlined approach to assigning placements to school-leavers and rehabilitative training (RT) graduates. Additional funding of €7million will be allocated to meet the emerging needs of those young people leaving school and RT programmes this year who the HSE identify as having a requirement for ongoing support.
Arrangements for implementing this new centralised regional application process are under way. The HSE are currently working to identify the service providers with capacity to respond to the individuals who require support and agree the allocation of additional resources in respect of individual placements.
The HSE has informed me that young people and their parents will be advised by 30th June of the placement which will be available to them from September.
In relation to the specific service mentioned by the Deputy, as this relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
