260 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on reports (details supplied); the steps he intends to take to ensure that this facility to cater for disturbed children in a high security environment operates in the best interest of children, health care workers and the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4647/02]

Approximately €38.09 million, £30 million, in capital funding is being made available by this Government through the health boards to put in place additional high support and special care places to provide for a small group of children who need more intensive intervention than mainstream residential or foster care services. The number of high support and special care places has increased from 17 in 1996 to a current total of 93. Included in this figure is the 24 place purpose built special care unit at Ballydowd in the eastern region which is being opened on a phased basis. An additional 41 places are due to become available by mid 2002.