The High Court threat to hold three Government Ministers in contempt unless a safe place of detention was found for an extremely disturbed 17-year-old girl was raised. ail. The Fine Gael deputy leader, Mrs Nora Owen, said Mr Justice Kelly had accused three Ministers and the relevant health board of "appalling incompetence". She demanded that the Tanaiste outline what action "the Government will take to ensure that this particular young woman gets the care and attention she needs from the State and the actions it will take immediately to ensure that the judge does not have to hold three Ministers in contempt of court and perhaps jail them".

Ms Harney, who was taking the Order of Business in the absence of the Taoiseach, said it was "clearly a very sad and sensitive" case and everything the health board asked for was granted. "Anything that is required in this case will be granted by the Government, and we are anxious that be the case."

"Every effort will be made to recruit more staff to ensure that the needs of this young woman, and others like her, are met. She escaped from hospital, notwithstanding the best efforts of the staff involved with her. Unfortunately, from time to time, this happens, and I regret it very much. I hope she is found soon and that all the facilities required are put in place."