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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 26 May 1965

Vol. 215 No. 15

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Weekend Leave for Hospital Patients.

46.

andDr. O'Connell asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that weekend leave is refused to certain patients of a long-stay hospital (name supplied), although they are medically approved for leave, because the hospital authority would lose the Dublin Health Authority allowance in respect of such patients; and if he will take immediate steps to investigate this matter.

Although this is primarily a matter for the health authority concerned, I have caused an inquiry to be addressed to the hospital authority, and they deny that the situation described by the Deputies has arisen.

I have absolute proof of the fact that a child was refused weekend leave. This child, consequent on my representations, I got a note to say, was discharged permanently, despite——

The Deputy is making a statement, not asking a question.

Is the Minister aware of this fact ? I think an investigation should be made into the matter. It is a terrible injustice.

Mr. O'Malley

The case referred to by the Deputy concerned a child who was discharged home for two weeks following an operation. The child was then re-admitted for a further operation and was allowed home for one weekend. Leave was refused on the following weekend but the father was allowed to take the child out on Sunday. For the Deputy's information, this had nothing to do with the health authority, and health authorities are not billed for periods of absence from the hospital, although a bed is kept for them.

Could I ask the Minister to investigate the matter a little further in view of further evidence I have ?

Mr. O'Malley

There is nothing to investigate. Those are the facts and that is all about it.

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