Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 5 Mar 1997

Vol. 475 No. 8

Written Answers. - Personality Disorder.

Seamus Brennan

Question:

89 Mr. S. Brennan asked the Minister for Health if he will respond to a query from Deputy Seamus Brennan regarding a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24, which was raised in a parliamentary question on 25 September 1996, and was the subject of further correspondence on 23 October, 25 October and 6 November 1996; his views on whether a suggestion by the health authority that this person can be dealt with by the Garda and the courts is unusual in view of the diagnosis of the forensic services that this person is suffering from a personality disorder; his views on whether by definition a personality disorder is an illness and requires the intervention of his Department rather than judicial intervention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6149/97]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan,

Limerick East): I have been in contact with the Deputy on this matter, as he points out, since my response to his original parliamentary question on 25 September 1996.

The Eastern Health Board, which is responsible for the delivery of health services, including mental health services, in Dublin has furnished me with a further report on the person referred to by the Deputy.

The board has pointed out that two consultant psychiatrists have stated that the person does not have a mental handicap and does not suffer from mental illness. It would not therefore, be appropriate to refer the person to either service for treatment. A consultant forensic psychiatrist has given a diagnosis of anti-social personality disorder and the board's suggestion that the person be dealt with through judicial intervention is derived from consultants' opinion that he is fully aware of, and responsible for, his own actions.