asked the Minister for Health if it is intended to appoint an independent inspectorate to inquire into conditions in mental hospitals in Ireland.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mental Hospitals.
3.
I do not intend to appoint an independent inspectorate, as suggested by the Deputy.
Information on conditions in mental hospitals is readily available to me and to the appropriate authorities.
I am not satisfied with some of the conditions in a number of these hospitals. I consider however that the solution lies, not in the appointment of an independent inspectorate, but in a continuing programme of improvement works and, in the long term, in the replacement of many of these facilities by community-based services. I will continue to give the development of this policy a high priority.
Are the present arrangements that the inspectorate should carry out and furnish the Minister an annual report on the condition of mental hospitals in this country?
I can send the Deputy details of the powers and functions of the inspectorate of mental hospitals; they are very long and detailed. In addition to that, the position is that health boards can appoint visiting committees.
I wondered if the existing inspectorate were supposed to submit an annual report to the Minister and the House.
Not to the House.
To the Minister?
Yes—they report to me on anything that is of importance.
Could the Minister inform the House the date on which he received the last annual report of the inspectorate?
The question asks if it is intended to appoint an independent inspectorate.
I have answered that question.
4.
asked the Minister for Health when it is intended to introduce a new Mental Health Act to safeguard the rights of patients in mental hospitals in Ireland.
Proposals for the amendment of the existing mental treatment legislation are at an advanced stage of preparation.
The proposals raise some complex issues but it is my intention to put them before the House as soon as possible.