I propose to take Questions Nos. 227 and 248 together. I would like to assure the Deputies that this matter has been fully investigated by the Mid-Western Health Board in conjunction with the staff at the Hospital of the Assumption, Thurles. The patient in question was treated in the hospital itself on a number of occasions and had discharged himself against medical advice some 24 hours before his death. Medical opinion indicated that because of the seriousness of his illness he could have died at any time.
I should state that the casual unit at the hospital was not a medical facility. The unit was inspected regularly by a night attendant during the night of Mr. Broderick's death. Its purpose was to provide overnight accommodation for homeless men.
The board's officials are satisfied that conditions in the casual unit at Thurles were not a factor in the patient's death. Nevertheless they felt that, in the light of this sad incident, it was necessary to carry out a full review of the arrangements for homeless people in the area. Accordingly, they have asked the Simon Community in Galway and local voluntary groups to forward proposals concerning the provision of appropriate alternative accommodation for the homeless in Thurles.