asked the Minister for Health if he will state with regard to the Psychiatric Nurses' Association of Ireland, St. Brendan's Hospital, Dublin 7, whether he has considered the letter from the branch secretary of this association dated 5 July 1985 and the requests contained therein; and if he will make a statement on his decision in these matters.
Written Answers. - Psychiatric Nurses' Association.
24.
I have had a full and useful discussion with the Psychiatric Nurses' Association. It was concerned mainly with future developments in the psychiatric service but also dealt with some other matters, including conditions in part of St. Brendan's Hospital. The administration of St. Brendan's Hospital is the responsibility of the Eastern Health Board. I am aware that both the Psychiatric Nurses' Association and the Eastern Health Board are concerned about conditions in St. Brendan's. The health board is at present preparing its detailed plans for the development of the psychiatric services and these plans will include proposals concerning persons now resident in St. Brendan's, I have already approved the construction of two 32-bed psycho-geriatric units to accommodate patients from St. Brendan's Hospital and I expect that the building of these units will commence shortly. I hope to be able to approve of further units for the same purpose during this year.