Vol. 231 No. 13
asked the Minister for Health whether his attention has been drawn to a report that there is no clinic or in-patient unit available for the treatment and care of psychiatric adolescents involved in court proceedings; and whether any action is proposed to remedy this situation.
52.
asked the Minister for Health if he has any plans for the provision of a clinic or in-patient unit for the treatment and cure of disturbed psychiatric adolescents.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take questions Nos. 51 and 52 together.
Adolescents in need of psychiatric care may, in appropriate cases, receive treatment in the psychiatric institutions out-patient clinics. The Commission of Inquiry on Mental Illness recommended that for a small number of these adolescents separate residential accommodation on a regional basis would be necessary. The Dublin Health Authority is at present converting a building at St. Brendan's Hospital for the purpose of providing such accommodation.
Delinquent adolescents in need of psychiatric treatment pose a special problem, the solution of which will involve new legislation. My Department and Dublin Health Authority are considering the matter, including steps which might be taken in advance of legislation.
Is the Minister aware that some psychiatric service is available at Marlborough House for the treatment of delinquent adolescents on remand which is, I think, administered by the Department of Education on behalf of the Department of Justice in consultation with the Minister for Health? Perhaps he would consider expanding that?
I am so aware, and it points to the unsatisfactory nature of the arrangements that are made, including the generally unsatisfactory position of the law in regard to this whole matter. The suggestion is that in advance of new legislation a special clinical director will be appointed to deal with it and I hope to implement this suggestion.
For over 20 years, psychiatric treatment is available through Marlborough House but we are moving slowly in the right direction.
