asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that over 230 severely mentally handicapped patients are forced to live in temporary wooden huts at Saint Ita's Hospital, Portrane, Co. Dublin; and the plans his Department has to rectify this situation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Hospital Accommodation.
8.
I am aware that some accommodation at this hospital is not satisfactory and I am concerned to see that its use is discontinued as soon as possible. I am ready to facilitate the Eastern Health Board which, in the discharge of their responsibilities, intend to replace it. It is the responsibility of that board in the first place to decide on the plans for this replacement.
Is the Minister aware that proposals from the Eastern Health Board were submitted to the Department but were rejected?
That is not my information. A 70 bed unit will be commenced in Portrane in a matter of months. I am informed that the Eastern Health Board were asked in January of this year for a comprehensive report on a proposal for an additional 208 beds but that to date no report has been received.
A statement was made—it was not contradicted by the Department of Health—to the effect that proposals had emanated from the Eastern Health Board for the provision of proper units for these people and the Department have rejected them and said that they must look elsewhere. This report was published and it was never contradicted. I would ask the Minister to look into this matter again.
It is possible that initially proposals in the report referred to may have been referred back to the Department, but the report asked for in January, 1973, was not provided by the Eastern Health Board. However, I will check on what the Deputy has said.
Would the Minister get the Department to look into the matter?
I will, but the information I have given is the information I got.