Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 11 Mar 1992

Vol. 417 No. 2

Written Answers. - Mental Patients Seeking Shelter.

Gerry O'Sullivan

Question:

133 Mr. G. O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the increase in discharged mental patients seeking shelter and help from the Simon Community in Cork, and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Connell)

I am aware of the valuable work of the Simon Community in relation to homeless people, some of whom have a history of mental illness. However, I am not aware of any increase in the number of patients discharged from the psychiatric service seeking shelter and maintenance from the Simon Community in Cork.

I have been assured by the Southern Health Board that the number of patients cared for by the psychiatric service who present with a record of homelessness is small. Discharge arrangements for such patients include liaison with the community care services to have appropriate patients accommodated with voluntary organisations such as Simon or in particular circumstances to have the person accommodated in a community based hostel.