Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
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Question 63: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the discussions she has had with the Health Service Executive regarding the report showing that almost 300 children and adolescents were admitted or detained in adult psychiatric hospitals in 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41455/06]

Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)
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I accept that the placement of children and adolescents in adult mental health facilities is inappropriate. However, in situations where there is no available alternative, such admissions may be necessary.

At present, inpatient mental health services for 16 and 17 year olds are provided in adult psychiatric units. However, the HSE has put in place improved arrangements for the treatment of children in such units, pending the provision of additional dedicated child and adolescent beds. All children admitted to adult units are treated on a one-to-one basis by appropriately trained staff. Work is underway to identify two adult units in each of the four HSE regions which will deal with under-18s on an interim basis and staff of these units will receive additional training. Eight dedicated child and adolescent multidisciplinary teams will be provided for these units. These arrangements are interim ones pending the completion of four dedicated child and adolescent inpatient units in Cork, Galway, Dubin and Limerick.

My Department, the HSE and the Mental Health Commission will continue to work together to ensure that the highest standards of mental health services are provided to children and adolescents in the most appropriate setting. The Mental Health Commission has also issued a code of practice relating to the admission of children under the Mental Health Act 2001.

Child and adolescent mental health services will be a priority for investment next year. I expect that additional funding will be provided in 2007 to improve services in this area.