This article is from page 55 of the 2006-01-03 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 55 JPG
A MID-WEST unit for disturbed children, which cost the tax-payer €10 million, has catered for just three children since it opened it 2003.
Coovagh House in Limerick closed just three months after it opened and remains shut. Severe staffing difficulties have been blamed for the continued closure.
The unit – which was purpose built to cater for children who are disturbed and require intensive attention – opened behind schedule in September 2003. Initially, it was recommended that the unit would need 38 staff for five children and this was later to be reduced to 22.
The centre now has a staff of 32 but it needs 46. The unit cost €5.1 million to build and another €5 million in wage bills, running costs and security costs, according to figures drawn up by opposition health spokesman, Richard Bruton.
“Millions in taxpayers money is being wasted while children in need of urgent special care are instead being placed in private residential units costing the State up to €10,000 per week,” Deputy Bruton said.
In a reply to queries from the opposition spokesman, the Health Services Executive said Coovagh House would re-open once the staffing quota had reached 46, including the appointment of a senior clinical psychologist and the appointment of a management advisory committee.
At the time, the HSE said it envisaged that the unit would open for referrals in December, but this was dependant on additional staff being recruited and the unit being certified by the Irish Social Services inspectorate.