asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that mental hospitals throughout the country are insufficiently staffed by qualified psychiatric personnel and that this situation is likely to lead to a breakdown in the mental health services; and what action he proposes to take in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mental Health Services.
25.
Mental hospitals are not insufficiently staffed except where medical personnel is concerned. There is a world shortage of psychiatrists but our position in that regard is relatively good compared with that of other countries. A special postgraduate training scheme now in operations for young doctors working in mental hospitals will, I hope, help to improve the situation further.
Would the Minister consider arranging to have a certain section of mental hospitals specifically designated for people who are affected by alcohol and who go into these hospitals for treatment? Treatment in mental hospitals often has a detrimental effect on the alcoholic patient, and would the Minister agree that the suggestion I have made would be beneficial to people being treated for alcoholism?
In a reply earlier on I said I had received the report on alcoholism only on the 12th March, and I do not think I could commit myself to the Suggestion made by the Deputy until that report has been examined.