Vol. 449 No. 6
58 Miss Harney asked the Minister for Health, in view of the fact that a 15 year old person (details supplied) in Dublin 24 who is a persistent runaway now living in London and bearing in mind the stress caused to this family, the steps, if any, he will take to ensure that the health services provide appropriate care for this person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4173/95]
Primary responsibility for the provisions of services and supports to children who are out of home rests with the health board.
As regards the specific case raised by the Deputy, the position is that the Eastern Health Board has been involved with the child concerned and his family since 1991. A number of hostel and other placements which the board arranged for the child broke down. The child has a history of running away and is currently in London.
I understand from the Eastern Health Board that the child has been in contact with Westminster Social Services which have succeeded in securing temporary accommodation for him. The board is at present involved in ongoing consultations with Westminster Social Services as part of a concentrated effort to persuade the child to return to this country. The board is also in contact with the child's parents in the matter.
I would like to assure the Deputy that the Eastern Health Board will continue its efforts to provide services for the child geared to meet his particular needs.
