Seanad debates

Wednesday, 8 October 2003

Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse: Statements (Resumed).

 

It must be acknowledged that institutions are being established to care for unaccompanied minors from sub-Saharan Africa, eastern Europe and other parts of the world which are not being inspected as regularly as they could be because there is difficulty getting child care workers. It must also be acknowledged that those working in these institutions may not be properly vetted. While I do not underestimate the problems in this area, I am very concerned when I hear that some children are in institutions with adults where – I can only tell the Minister of State what I am told – on some occasions, there is no staff on the premises between 5 p.m. and the following morning. That is most undesirable. While the health boards face great difficulties, I hope the Minister of State will look into this. If I can provide him with more details, I will do so.

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