Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 12 Nov 1997

Vol. 482 No. 6

Written Answers. - Inspector of Mental Hospitals Reports.

Liz McManus

Question:

287 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children if annual reports of the Inspector of Mental Hospitals were published for each of the years from 1963 to 1976 and from 1980 to 1989; if so, the dates on which they were laid before the Oireachtas Library; the latest year for which a report has been published; the date on which it was laid before the Oireachtas Library; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18651/97]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

Annual reports of the Inspector of Mental Hospitals for the years 1988 to 1995, inclusive, were published and were laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas. Inspections of mental institutions were undertaken by the inspector of mental hospitals during the other periods referred to by the Deputy although annual reports were not published in respect of those years.

The most recent published report, that for the year ending 31 December 1995 was laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas on 25 February 1997. The inspector's report for 1996 is currently being collated and will be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas as soon as possible. While I am aware there had been periods where the inspector's annual reports were not published, I am satisfied this situation has been redressed.