A health board responsible for the care of a disturbed young boy, described as at "grave risk" has failed to meet a deadline set by a High Court judge to find an appropriate place for the boy.
After being told the Northern Area Health Board had not come up with specific proposals as directed last week by Mr Justice De Valera, Mr Justice Kearns yesterday gave the board until today to advance a plan.
Last week, Mr Barry O'Donnell, for the health board, said it did not have the resources to provide an appropriate place for the 14-year-old. Mr Justice De Valera said it was time the board took steps to ensure there was an appropriate facility. Mr O'Donnell said that would involve policy matters outside the board and were within the "political arena".
The judge directed the board to return to court with a "sensible plan". Mr O'Donnell told Mr Justice Kearns yesterday he was handing in a report regarding the board's efforts for the boy, whom he described as "exceptionally difficult". However, it did not progress matters, he conceded.
The boy was involved in violence in the State unit from which he is due to be released next Tuesday when the proposal was that he return to an insecure unit.
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