The situation at a state-run care home where teenagers used drugs on a daily basis is not unique, Children’s Minister James Reilly has acknowledged.
The minister was responding to concerns raised in the Dáil by Sinn Féin TD Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin after he raised the issue of a “disturbing” Hiqa probe into a Cork residential unit for children where drug paraphernalia was discovered.
“The report shows that the young people concerned are involved in daily illegal drug use and other criminal activity.
“The report is very critical. Inspectors found that all three children were engaged in the use of illegal substances on a daily basis outside the centre. Highlighting a number of deficiencies, inspectors paid particular attention to a contributory factor to the anti-social behaviour of the teenagers, namely, the high rate of absenteeism at the facility.
“In the 24 month period prior to the inspection, more than 300 absences without authority were recorded, of which 87 were classed as “missing from care” episodes. This is a very serious matter.”
Dr Reilly insisted he could not discuss individual cases, but said he took the situation in Cork seriously.
Dr Reilly said in October 2014, 6,454 children were in care, with 93% of them in foster care, but Ireland had a high number of older teenagers in the system.
“Ireland is somewhat unusual in that we have quite a number of 16 and 17-year-olds coming into care. Latest figures from the agency indicate over 14% of young people coming into care in 2013 were over the age of 16…
Source: Shaun Connolly, Irish Examiner, 21/01/15
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