133.— The following section is inserted in the Act of 2001 after section 76A:

“Assistance to Court by Health Service Executive.

76B.— (1) Where—

(a) a child who is charged with an offence is remanded on bail or, subject to section 88(10)(b), in custody, and

(b) it appears to the Court that the Health Service Executive may be of assistance to it in dealing with the case,

the Court may request the Executive to be represented in the proceedings.

(2) Where the child is remanded on bail, the request shall be made at least one week before the date of the resumption of the proceedings concerned.

(3) If, having heard the Health Service Executive’s representative, the Court dismisses the case against the child on its merits, the Health Service Executive shall, where appropriate, exercise its powers under the Act of 1991 in relation to the child.”.