COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF TALLAGHT AREA COMMITTEE (2)

Monday, May 26, 2008

MOTION NO. 8

MOTION: Councillor M. Corr

CATHAOIRLEACHS BUSINESS

That this Committee calls on the Minister for Health to take immediate action to address any deficits that may exist in relation to Social/Child Protecion services in the Tallaght area in order to ensure that no "at risk" children in Tallaght become part of the growing statistic of children in need of support slipping through the net.

REPORT:

The South Dublin Children’s Services Committee was inaugurated under the auspices of the Minister for Children in May 2007.  The group, under the chairmanship of the HSE, comprises of members drawn from statutory and voluntary agencies working with children and families in the administrative area of South Dublin County Council.  The main objectives of the SDCSC is

• To develop strong cross-agency working relationships
• Secure support for the joint implementation of policy initiatives
• Maximise integration of service delivery at local level

The Children’s services committee members are:

Hugh Kane Chairperson (HSE), Joe Horan (SDCC), Adrian Charles (HSE), Enda Halpin (HSE), Aileen O' Donoghue (Clondalkin Partnership), Ann Marie Sheehan (NEPS), Anna Lee (Tallaght Partnership), John O’Connell (AMNCH), Colette Mc Loughlin(HSE), Doreen Mc Gowan (HSE), Francis Chance (Barnardos), Frank Nevin (SDCC), Jean Rafter(NEWB), John  Moloney, (Dept E &S), Liz O'Donoghue (Probation),  Margaret Maher (Archways), Marian Quinn (CDI), Marie Griffin (CDVEC), Maura Connolly, (Tallaght Hospital), Pat Conroy (Lucena), Pat Ryan (Social & Family Affairs) Inspector Sean Campbell (Gardai), Sean Mc Ginty (CDB), Maria Donohoe Coordinator (SDCC).                                              

The Childhood Development Initiative (Tallaght West) is also represented on the CSC with South Dublin Council officials represented in turn, on its implementation board. CDI is strongly committed to supporting integrated services and intervention for children and links strongly with the CSC in terms of shared learning.

The committee are currently working on the development of a work plan which includes the development of an interagency protocol for interagency working and data sharing, and on the collection of data as part of a Quality of Life mapping plan which will enable the planning of services and facilities for South Dublin County Council and the constituent members of the South Dublin Children’s Services Committee. Other areas of work will include Education, Systems, Safety and Security, Family Supports and Child welfare and protection and Participation.

Hugh Kane (HSE) and County Manager Joe Horan, represent South Dublin on the National Implementation (Children’s Services) Group.

If this motion is passed the matter will be referred to the Minister for Health for attention and when a reply is received the Committee will be notified accordingly.