High-support unit for children in care to close

A high-support unit for children in care is to close down next month after the inspection watchdog, the Health and Information Quality Authority (Hiqa), said it was a serious fire risk and that staff were unable to control bullying behaviour.

Staff at the Rath na nÓg unit in Castleblaney in Co Monaghan told Hiqa inspectors the policy of closing external doors at the unit from 9pm to 7.30am was ordered by the national director of children and family services, Gordon Jeyes, along with the acting national director of the national high support and special care services.

The report adds: “However, the inspectors found no evidence of any written record of this directive.”