asked the Minister for Health the estimated number of children in the country under the age of 18 years who have no permanent accommodation, and the plans to solve this growing problem.

It is not possible to give a precise figure of the number of children under the age of 18 years who have no permanent accommodation. However, I am aware that there is a problem with regard to a small number of children living rough, usually in large urban centres.

Many of these young people, because of difficult family circumstances, do not live at home. Health boards endeavour to provide facilities for children who do not live at home and who are in need of care. The number of places available for such children is kept under continual review.

There are 45 residential homes for the care of children. In addition, health boards, together with the Departments of Education and Justice, support a number of hostels run by voluntary groups which provide accommodation for homeless and other young people in need of special care.

In the Eastern Health Board area arrangements to provide additional residential accommodation for travelling children are almost completed and the existing accommodation and facilities at Trudder House are being improved.

I am aware that the voluntary bodies and the health boards are doing good work in this area but it is still a growing problem and the number of homeless children seems to be increasing. Has the Minister definite plans to abate the problem?

All health boards are aware of the problem. The Eastern Health Board's plans are well advanced to deal with the problem. I know that the South-Eastern Health Board, of which the Deputy is a member, are also actively engaged in providing additional accommodation. I am not sure that it is an increasing problem.

Has the Minister any definite plans to deal with the problem in Dublin which is definitely increasing?

Yes. We have a residential unit which is almost ready.