asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he is aware of the serious overcrowding prevailing in the Cork Mental Hospital whereby numbers of patients have to sleep on the floor, even in the infirmary; and if he will state when the proposed new buildings to relieve this congestion will be commenced.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Overcrowding in Cork Mental Hospital.
I am aware there is overcrowding in the Cork County Mental Hospital but there is no evidence in my Department that would indicate that the conditions are so serious that numbers of patients have to sleep on the floor. In June, 1938, sanction was given to the erection of temporary structures to relieve overcrowding. The joint committee abandoned that scheme in July last and adopted other proposals designed to relieve the situation. These proposals are at present being examined in the Department. A decision thereon will be communicated to the joint committee of management as soon as possible.