Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 16 Nov 1993

Vol. 435 No. 9

Written Answers. - Transfer of Cork Psychiatric Services.

P. J. Sheehan

Question:

78 Mr. Sheehan asked the Minister for Health the progress, if any, his Department has made in conjunction with the Southern Health Board's proposals to transfer psychiatric services from Cork City to Bantry, County Cork, in view of the fact that this was planned for 1992 but was withheld due to lack of funding at that time; the amount of permanent jobs that will be created by the transfer; and if he will ensure that the necessary finance will be provided in the 1994 Estimates for his Department for this.

Minister for Health (Mr. Howlin)

The Southern Health Board is responsible for the provision of acute psychiatric services in its functional area.

The board has identified the transfer of the Acute Psychiatric Unit from St. Anne's Hospital, Skibbereen to Bantry General Hospital and the development of a high support hostel in the vacated St. Anne's Hospital together with the development of day hospitals in Bantry and Skibbereen as a priority development. In addition to the staff already working in the West Cork service, the board has indicated that up to one further occupational therapist, two nurses and four attendants may be needed for the new service. The Inspector of Mental Hospitals in his recent reports of the West Cork services has also recommended the transfer of services from Skibbereen to Bantry as a desirable element of the development of an overall community based service for the West Cork area.

Proposals for the transfer of services have been submitted to my Department by the Southern Health Board and these proposals are currently being examined by my Department. I can assure the Deputy that funding for this proposal will be considered in the light of the available capital and revenue funds available in 1994 and other competing priorities.