Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 6 Apr 1995

Vol. 451 No. 7

Written Answers. - Industrial Schools.

Ivor Callely

Ceist:

56 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health the total additional allocation to the Eastern Health Board in 1995 for industrial schools to accommodate exceptionally disturbed children in view of the recent announcement of such special accommodation; the time schedule anticipated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6991/95]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan,

Limerick East): There is a small number of children in care whose behaviour is so disturbed they cannot be cared for in the normal range of children's residential centres. The health boards have developed a variety of responses to try to cope with these children, including the establishment of special fostering schemes and the provision of small-scale residential facilities. While these initiatives have had some success, it has become apparent that a number of specialised residential centres providing intensive therapy need to be provided.

As a first step, it is proposed to develop such facilities in the Eastern Health Board area. The board is currently researching the requirements in terms of accommodation, staff numbers, training and skills mix and the cost implications, both revenue and capital. There are to be further discussions between the board and my Department when this process is completed. It is hoped to have an interim facility in place by next autumn. It will be located in an existing premises which is to be renovated for this purpose.