Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 4 May 1993

Vol. 430 No. 2

Written Answers. - St. Ita's, Portrane, Staffing.

Pat Cox

Question:

80 Mr. Cox asked the Minister for Health the number of psychologists who are employed at St. Ita's in Portrane, County Dublin; whether there are any plans to appoint psychologists to St. Ita's; and if any recommendations were made by the investigating committee to appoint psychologists to the service.

Minister for Health (Mr. Howlin)

The Eastern Health Board is responsible for the delivery of services at St. Ita's Hospital, Portrane, County Dublin. At present there are no psychologists employed in the St. Ita's service. I understand that an investigating committee established by the Eastern Health Board recommended that greater utilisation of the services of a clinical psychologist be considered.

I fully accept the need to recruit psychologists to the St. Ita's service to improve the therapeutic input for patients in the hospital. As part of the additional funding provided this year to develop services for people with mental handicap I have allocated £200,000 to the Eastern Health Board to assist with the recruitment of suitable staff. I understand that the board are in the process of advertising for psychologists through the Local Appointments Commission.