Vol. 468 No. 2
76 Mr. Bree asked the Minister for Health if his Department has been monitoring the situation relating to German young offenders being fostered to families in the Sligo/Leitrim area; his views on these placements; if his attention has been drawn to complaints regarding the behaviour of a number of young offenders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14841/96]
My Department is aware that German teenagers are being placed in foster care in different health board areas. These placements are arranged by a number of German youth agencies and private agents.
There is a legal requirement, under the Children Acts, on a person or body proposing to foster a child privately to notify the local health board in which the proposed placement will occur. My Department issued a circular to all health boards in June 1995 in relation to the placement of German adolescents with families in this country. This was primarily designed to promote closer working relationships between the boards and organisations involved, bearing in mind the overall best interests of the children.
The North-Western Health Board have informed me that they have no knowledge that any of the young persons placed with families in the Sligo/Leitrim area have been convicted of crimes. They inform me also that they are aware of five agencies placing German children in their area. The five organisations involved work closely with the board and comply with the various requirements regarding notification.
The North-Western Health Board indicate that they are aware of a recent disturbance in a derelict house, involving both German and Irish teenagers, but that they have no reason to be concerned in relation to the professional levels of care provided to these foreign children.
