Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 July 2014
322. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 623 to 625 of 1 July 2014, the reason a reference is made to children placed in special care outside of this jurisdiction being placed in secure psychiatric facilities when one of the criteria under which a decision is made to place a child in special care is that they do not have a mental illness. [31853/14]
View answerSpecial Care involves the detention of a child on order of the High Court. The child is not detained as a result of criminal offences but for his or her own welfare and protection in one of three special care units in Ireland. The Deputy is correct when he says that the one of the criteria for placement in special care is that children do not have a psychiatric disorder. However, sometimes children (whether in special care or otherwise) have needs that cannot be met within this jurisdiction. For example, a small minority of children require treatment in a secure child and adolescent mental health facility but such centres are not available in this country. When a child/young person is assessed as having therapeutic needs that cannot be met in this jurisdiction, then under Council Regulations (EC) No. 2201/2003 otherwise known as the Brussels Bis 11 Regulations and the SE Judgement (26/4/2012, EU Court of Justice), the child/young person can be transferred to a facility that is deemed most appropriate to their individual needs.
