Vol. 409 No. 3
64 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health if he will give details of (1) the 64 places which he plans to provide for young homeless people and (2) the 65 places for young people who have been in trouble with the law, outlining (a) their location, (b) the present state of their planning and (c) the likely date on which they will be available.
I presume the Deputy is referring to recent announcements by my colleague, Mr. Chris Flood TD, Minister of State concerning plans to provide additional accommodation for young homeless people and for young offenders.
With regard to the young homeless, the immediate aim is to increase to 64 the number of places available in the Dublin area. Approval has been given to the Eastern Health Board to develop a safe therapeutic unit for adolescents in County Kildare which will open during the summer. Another new unit is being set up by an established voluntary body in south County Dublin. The Eastern Health Board are involved in discussions with a number of other voluntary and religious groups about the provision of additional hostel places and flatlet accommodation. The Minister of State is closely monitoring the position to ensure that the target of 64 places is achieved as soon as possible.
