Written answers

Tuesday, 20 April 2010

Department of Health and Children

Health Services

9:00 pm

Photo of Caoimhghín Ó CaoláinCaoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 246: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will legislate to ensure an automatic legal right for children to receive aftercare services when leaving the care of the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14620/10]

Photo of Caoimhghín Ó CaoláinCaoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 248: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will mandate the Health Service Executive to provide aftercare services to all who request it; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14622/10]

Photo of Barry AndrewsBarry Andrews (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 246 and 248 together.

Section 45 of the Child Care Act, 1991 provides for the provision of aftercare services. The Ryan report implementation plan states that "The provision of aftercare by the HSE should form an integral part of care delivery for children who have been in the care of the State. It should not be seen as a discretionary service or as a once-off event that occurs on a young person's 18th birthday.

The implementation plan also makes a number of recommendations in respect of aftercare and states the HSE "will ensure the provision of aftercare services for children leaving care in all instances where the professional judgment of the allocated social worker determines it is required". In his Budget Statement in December the Minister for Finance, Deputy Brian Lenihan, announced, as part of the funding related to the Ryan report implementation plan, that an additional €1 million would be set aside for aftercare in 2010. That is a mark of the Government's commitment. In relation to the existing legislative framework, my Office is currently undertaking a review which includes consideration of legal advice.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.