:: press release ::

November 17, 2008

ROSS SECURES DEBATE ON FUTURE OF PRINCES GARDENS CHILDRENS HOME 

DUP East Antrim MLA Alastair Ross has secured an adjournment debate on the issue of the proposal to close the only children’s home in Larne. The debate will take place at Parliament Buildings on Monday 24 November 2008.  

Mr Ross said that the primary motivation is to ensure that the children in care are not forced to move away from the area and said that the Princes Garden home is an example of best practice in a number of areas.  

Speaking ahead of the debate Mr Ross said,  

“Adjournment debates are an excellent means by which to raise issues of local concern. I have already led debates on Inver House and Promoting Tourism in the constituency and am now grateful to the Business Committee for allowing me to raise this important issue on childrens welfare.  

There are currently 7 mainstream children’s homes in the Northern Health and Social Care Trust, but the Trust has recommended that the Princes Gardens Home in Larne should close.  

The staff at this site believe that their jobs are safe, but their primary concern is for the wellbeing of the children. The staff have built up a fantastic team at Princes Garden and have a level of expertise which is unrivalled by any other home in the Trust.  

It would be very disruptive if children where asked to move and I believe there are sound arguments to keep the home in Larne open.  

It is also imperative that local people have their say. The Trust is currently conducting a public consultation on the proposed closure and I would encourage as many people as possible to reply with their views.  

I also look forward to listening to the views of the Minister who will reply on Monday and I will seek assurances that the children will be looked after regardless of what happens.”