Government must stop detaining Irish children abroad

Deputy Patrick Nulty T.D. said:

“The continued detention of ten Irish children in specialised units abroad is unacceptable. Eight children are detained on High Court Orders in the UK and a further two in Nebraska. These children require high levels of care and support. It is outrageous that in 2012 the needs of these children are not met in Ireland. Removing these minors from their family and community supports and placing them in a foreign culture and jurisdiction is entirely inappropriate.”

“I am calling on the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Frances Fitzgerald T.D. to immediately intervene to ensure that this practice of detaining Irish Children abroad is put to an end. The government must ensure that appropriate supports, facilities and care are made available for these minors in Ireland.”

For more information please contact:

Patrick Nulty T.D.
087 9688259
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QUESTION NO: 149 DÁIL QUESTION addressed to the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Ms. Fitzgerald) by Deputy Patrick Nulty

for WRITTEN ANSWER on 14/06/2012

* 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.

REPLY.

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.