Written answers

Tuesday, 12 February 2008

Department of Foreign Affairs

Human Rights Issues

9:00 pm

Photo of Michael KennedyMichael Kennedy (Dublin North, Fianna Fail)
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Question 315: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding the Mogolino orphanage situation in Bulgaria; if there has been further development of the issue; the extent to which the Irish authorities are monitoring the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5145/08]

Photo of Dermot AhernDermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I share deep concerns regarding the welfare of vulnerable children in the Mogilino social care home. The need for action to address this disturbing legacy of past policies and attitudes is acknowledged by the Bulgarian authorities. In view of Irish concerns, I asked our Ambassador to Bulgaria to meet with the Minister who has responsibility for institutional care and to raise with her these concerns. During this meeting, the Minister acknowledged the gravity of the situation and spoke of the priority that the Bulgarian Government attaches to implementing the necessary reforms. She briefed the Ambassador on plans to provide alternative options to institutional care.

Providing an alternative to large-scale institutional care is a process that requires careful planning and adequate funding. There is a general recognition amongst those dealing with this situation on the ground that the solution must be well thought out, be applicable generally throughout the system, and have the interests of the children as the driving force behind it.

With regard to the Mogilino social care home, the Bulgarian Minister confirmed to the Ambassador that the authorities plan to close this home. Steps are being taken to put in place the appropriate alternative arrangements for each of the children currently resident there. The objective is to provide specialist care through the creation of smaller group homes. The Bulgarian authorities are working closely with a group of Non Governmental Organisations and UNICEF in the implementation of an agreed action plan. Medical evaluations of the children have been carried out and a number of them have received hospital treatment. The children are also being assessed to determine the full extent of their problems with a view to producing detailed plans for their futures. Additional funding and supplies have been authorised to improve conditions for those living there. A new Director has been appointed to the institution and the rest of the staff are receiving training by a group of specialists in this field.

The Irish Embassy in Sofia maintains close contact with organisations working to improve the living conditions of the children and young adults resident in institutions. A number of Irish citizens and organisations are also involved and the Embassy supports them in their work whenever possible. We will continue to urge the early implementation of the reforms needed to protect the interests of this particularly vulnerable section of society.

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