Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)

As the Deputy said, access to a service is important. The form in which that will be provided can vary, but it is access to the service and to the right type of assessment that is critical, so that somebody can assess the crisis and ensure the right action is taken. The evaluation has shown that there is clear potential for such a service nationally. I am told it can be relatively inexpensive. It is important to note that usage is and has been low in the pilot schemes. I agree with the Deputy it is an important addition to the range of child welfare and protection services in Ireland. The director is committed to developing an appropriate service in urban and rural areas. The service in place at present is much improved on the previous situation but there is a need to have a national plan.

As I have repeatedly said with regard to child and family support services, the area has been bedevilled by a lack of national planning, and this is another example. There has been no national planning for out-of-hours services. The Deputy is correct that we must move towards a national plan. A national protocol will have to be established with regard to how this service will operate to ensure there are more standardised procedures and supports around the country for people who need services. That work will have to be done. It will be greatly aided by the two pilot projects and the evaluation Trinity College conducted of those projects. That material must be brought together and we must do it quickly and ensure the plan is in place in September or October clearly outlining what a national service would look like and how it can be moved forward in the best possible way given the restraints that exist, as we must be realistic about the resource issue in the context of current resources, to ensure a service is available for those in crisis.

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