Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 48: To ask the Minister for Health the total number of dedicated child and adolescent inpatient mental health care places available in the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26053/11]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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There are currently 36 child and adolescent psychiatric in-patient beds nationally - 12 in Dublin, 12 in Cork and 12 in Galway, with a further 16 beds to be commissioned by the end of the year - 8 in Cork and 8 in Galway. It is also proposed to provide additional beds in the Dublin region and, in this regard, work is due to commence later this year on the second phase of the Child and Adolescent Unit at St. Vincent's Hospital, Fairview which will increase capacity from 6 to 12 beds, and on the development of an 8 bedded facility at St Loman's, Palmerstown.

The Deputy may wish to note that work on the Linn Dara Child and Adolescent Mental Health Day Facility at Cherry Orchard, Dublin is close to completion. It is anticipated that this facility will provide day care and treatment for children and adolescents with mental health needs and will obviate the need for some in-patient admissions.