An urgently-needed new 24-bed secure unit for troubled children has only two children in it now because defective glass and easily replicated locks were installed and because of staffing problems, the High Court heard yesterday.
A salary increase for such staff, bringing their pay into line with that of staff at other secure centres, was approved by the State just last month, more than a year after it was sought by the Eastern Regional Health Authority.
Mr Justice Kelly yesterday said there had been a "crying need" for years for the new secure unit at Ballydowd, Co Dublin.
The net effect of the problems meant the most that would be available at Ballydowd was eight beds by Christmas. There were real problems in bringing the 24 beds into full operation.
The judge warned that the overall prospect of securing places for disturbed children was very bleak because of the continuing serious problems in recruiting childcare staff.
He was speaking after hearing evidence from Ms Brid Clarke, of the ERHA, regarding the reasons for delays into bringing the Ballydowd unit into operation.
In the summer of 1998, the judge granted an unprecedented order directing the State and ERHA to adhere to their own time scales for bringing the Ballydowd unit, and another unit at Portrane, Co Dublin, into operation.
Since then, the judge was told of delays in bringing both units into operation caused by a number of factors, including building industry problems and staff shortages. In July last, he was told it was hoped Ballydowd would open on a phased basis from early September.
Yesterday, the judge heard there were just two children in the unit. He said the reasons for that "made a sorry tale". The first critical element for such a unit was security.
The judge had been told the glass installed was tested at the end of September - months after the practical completion certificate was issued - and it was found that it shattered in shards.
Ms Clarke said this raised safety concerns, as the glass could be used to inflict self-harm or harm on others and children might also escape by breaking the glass.
The judge said the situation was not helped by the delay of the authorities in increasing the salary scale to the same level paid to other care staff.
He listed the matter for December 8th.