Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 8 Oct 1998

Vol. 494 No. 6

Written Answers. - Child Care Services.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

19 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Health and Children the main findings and recommendations of the Laxton report on Childcare Services commissioned by the Minister of State at his Department; the steps, if any, he proposes to take on foot of this report; and if he will make the report available to Dáil Éireann. [18877/98]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. Fahey)

The Laxton report on the Requirement and Necessity for Special Care and High Support Residential Child Care Provision in Ireland is currently in draft form and is due to be finalised shortly. I can confirm that it is my intention to make this report available at that time.

The main implication of the report is that one additional high support unit and one special care unit are required to meet current needs. I have approved the development of these units and have provided for them in the Department's capital programme.