Vol. 451 No. 7
71 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Health if he will request the South-Eastern Health Board to change its decision in relation to the closure of Prospect House, Waterford, in view of the concern of the people running this house on the effect on the welfare of deprived children in Waterford. [6281/95]
The decision to close Prospect House, a residential unit for deprived children, was taken by the Good Shepherd Sisters who have operated the service for a number of years. I understand that the Order has decided to withdraw from the provision of residential care services and the closure of Prospect House is a direct result of that policy decision. Neither my Department nor the South Eastern Health Board had any involvement in the decision.
The South Eastern Health Board has informed me that it has carried out a major review of child care services in its area. The board has developed a plan for the future provision of services which focuses on maintaining children in the family home as far as possible. Emphasis has been placed on the development of preventative services, including a home maker scheme, a community mothers scheme and the provision of assistance to families in financial difficulties. The board has also assigned additional staff to develop its foster care services for children requiring substitute care. To date the board has had considerable success in recruiting suitable foster families and it has two special workers assigned on a full time basis to further develop this service in Waterford.
