andDr. O'Connell asked the Minister for Health how many persons formerly detained under court orders in the Central Mental Hospital, Dundrum, Dublin have been re-assessed and returned to district mental hospitals.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Central Mental Hospital Patients.
8.
Dr. Browne
A special review of all patients in the Central Mental Hospital was undertaken in the early part of this year with a view to determining their suitability for transfer to district mental hospitals. To date 16 patients have been transferred as a result of this review.
Can the Minister say 16 out of a total of how many patients?
Some 54 were listed for possible transfer. A number were not moved for various health and other reasons. One has since died. This examination was very carefully undertaken and as a result 16 have been transferred.
Is this examination continuing or has it concluded?
That examination has concluded but we have examinations from time to time. Of course, all this will be subject to examination when the Eastern Health Board carry out their whole review of the position of the Central Mental Hospital. I have already answered questions by the Deputy on that subject.