HSE: No vacancies for vulnerable young people

THERE are no special care beds for vulnerable young people, the HSE has said, including for a potentially suicidal 16-year-old girl.

The High Court heard yesterday that the HSE is working on opening up special care beds for those who need them.

The matter was mentioned at several hearings of the minors’ list before Mr Justice John McMenamin.

In one case, the court heard a 16-year-old girl has absconded from her facility 25 times since June and has had 16 care placements.

Counsel for the guardian in the case, Emer Woodfull, said the girl &was on anti-depressants and had indicated suicidal thoughts. Ms Woodfull said there was no date as to when she might be admitted to special care.

Barry O’Donnell BL, for the HSE, said the HSE accepted it has its duty but there were no vacancies. He said work was continuing.

The case will be mentioned again next week.