asked the Minister for Health the proposals there are for the staff houses associated with St. Brendan's Hospital, Grangegorman, Dublin 7; the condition of these houses; whether they are being repaired; if so, the purpose; and if he will make a statement on the policy in this respect.
Written Answers. - Dublin Hospital Staff Houses.
50.
The Eastern Health Board intend that as staff houses associated with St. Brendan's Hospital, Grangegorman, Dublin, become vacant they will be repaired as necessary and used either as pre-discharge training hostels or as accommodation for discharged patients. Five staff houses are currently vacant and being repaired for such use. The condition of the houses varies, some repairs having been carried out over the years. It is the policy of my Department to take whatever steps are possible which will enable long-stay psychiatric patients to take up residence in a community setting.