Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 7 Dec 2000

Vol. 527 No. 5

Written Answers. - Regional Behavioural Support Services.

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

41 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress to date in relation to the provision of a regional challenging behaviour service in the North Eastern Health Board area with particular reference to the recruitment of staff and the provision of the assessment and treatment unit in Castleblayney, County Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27617/00]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

I understand from the North Eastern Health Board that the completion date set for the assessment and treatment unit in Castleblayney which is part of the regional behavioural support services, is the end of 2000. This unit will be supported by three high support group homes, one in each of the community service areas. One house has been purchased and the board is actively seeking two further suitable homes.

The regional specialist team will consist of consultant psychiatrist in learning disability; registrar; senior clinical psychologist; medical social worker; two clinical nurse specialists; care staff.

While all the posts, with the exception of the registrar, have been advertised, only one post of clinical nurse specialist has been filled to date. The posts will be re-advertised on 10 December 2000 and the board is also seeking to attract candidates with specialist skills in this field from England, Scotland and Wales. Consideration is also being given to contracting services from specialist agencies interested in their field and proposals are awaited from those agencies. Other specialist facilities in this field have also been visited by the board's personnel and representatives of the Castleblayney Care Association in the course of the planning of these services.