Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
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Question 210: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if minors temporarily staying in Garda stations for want of suitable accommodation have been assigned a social worker. [26786/04]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I assume the Deputy is referring to young homeless people presenting to Garda stations. I have been advised by the Eastern Regional Health Authority and health boards that it is extremely rare that children or young people are accommodated in Garda stations due to a lack of appropriate health board accommodation. Where children present to Garda stations, the relevant health board social work service is contacted, for example, the crisis intervention service in the Eastern Regional Health Authority. The children are assessed as a priority and are allocated a social worker if deemed appropriate. Some children presenting at Garda stations may already have an allocated social worker.