asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the statement by the Minister of State at his Department indicating that St. Patrick's Hospital, Castlerea, County Roscommon got an eleventh hour reprieve; if he will give (a) the details of this reprieve and (b) the plans he envisages for psychiatric services in County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - County Roscommon Hospital.
156.
My attention has been drawn to the statement referred to by the Deputy. I am informed by the Minister for State that the report is incorrect. I am also informed by the Western Health Board that it is intended to open the new acute psychiatric unit in Roscommon General Hospital in June next, to transfer 25 acute cases from Castlerea to that unit and to cease the admission of patients to St. Patrick's Castlerea at that time. Officers of the Department will be working with the management of the board to progress work on the further developments required in the psychiatric services in County Roscommon. In the interim, services essential to the requirements of patients will continue to be provided in St. Patrick's Hospital, Castlerea.