Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It has been brought to my attention that many of the cases shown in the programme were historical cases and since then HSE officials have made regular visits to the children sent over there. As I said, there were visits in October before the new facility was occupied and there have been visits since then.

Those high-intensity cases or the ones with most specific needs are kept under regular scrutiny. It is important for us to continue to develop our own specialist services so that young people do not need to be sent abroad. Our new paediatric hospital as well as the new forensic hospital will provide much needed support. In addition there is the development of clinical programmes around eating disorders, dual-diagnosis, self-harm, all of which, we know, affect our young people. Where that is not possible and our young people are sent abroad, they are monitored closely. I am assured by the HSE that any young person who is abroad is monitored closely.

Where concerns are raised, as has happened with this "Dispatches" programme, all of these issues are investigated. I am assured that no issues have been raised in respect of the three young people who are there and that there have been no problems. The matter will be kept under close scrutiny and monitored.