Vol. 163 No. 1
I move:—
That a sum not exceeding £28,410 be granted to complete the sum necessary to defray the Charge which will come in course of payment during the year ending on the 31st day of March, 1958, for the Expenses of the Maintenance, etc., of Patients in Dundrum Asylum (8 & 9 Vict., c. 107; and No. 19 of 1945).
The position with regard to Dundrum Asylum, which I think is the only hospital owned by the Minister for Health, can become, and I think it is, rather anomalous. Speaking entirely from recollection, I think there are more nurses and persons in charge in Dundrum than there are, in fact, patients and inmates in the hospital. I know some consideration was given to the question whether the continuation of Dundrum as a criminal lunatic asylum was justified. I do not know whether the Minister has given any thought to that matter. Certainly, if the number of inmates continues to decrease, while the number of nurses required in accordance with the nursing conditions continues to increase, then it is a reductio ad absurdum which should not be tolerated.
That matter has been before me, but the Deputy will appreciate it is rather a delicate matter to handle. He can understand that some of these patients would not be very welcome outside Dundrum Mental Hospital.
I understand that.
That means I must give it very careful consideration before I can agree to closing it.
