Patrick Nulty (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 149: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number, if any, Irish children who in the care of the State are being accommodated currently outside of the Republic of Ireland; the locations at which they are being accommodated; the cost of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28771/12]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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Currently there are 10 children, on High Court detention orders, detained in specialised units overseas, 8 in the UK, 2 in Nebraska. These placements allow for access to specialised therapeutic services or where a secure place is urgently needed and one is not available here. Three children are in Scotland, four children are in Northampton and one child is in Peterborough.

The cost is approximately €6,685 per child per week for children in Scotland.

The cost for St. Andrew's, Northampton is stg £6,300 per child per week.

The cost for St. Claire's, Peterborough is stg £6,300.

The cost for Boystown, Nebraska is $2,600 per child per week.

In addition to the 10 children in secure placements, there are a further 22 children in non-secure placements abroad. These placements consist of a combination of relative/foster care and residential placements.