Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Of my two final questions, one relates to medication, particularly for children and adolescents. As a child grows older, a parent - especially a mother - can have a concern about restraints and the child not taking medication or being supervised in that regarding to the extent that he or she should be. The progression of the child's condition may be a contributory factor. How do we reassure the parent that the child is safe when seeking treatment or while in respite care? We need to reassure parents so that the State is seen as a helping, supportive and fair instrument for dealing with their children's conditions.

My final question is on housing and a matter that we have all encountered. Adults, including young adults, may have been sleeping rough before being referred to what used to be called sheltered housing, although it is no longer sheltered to the extent that it should be. We must try to ensure that the person is in an environment that is supportive and does not undermine his or her self-confidence and self-esteem and where the person and his or her family can feel that they can rely on it for the best possible treatment.