Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 21 Mar 2001

Vol. 533 No. 1

Written Answers. - Mental Health Services.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

102 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Health and Children about the policy of his Department in relation to clients of the psychiatric services; the person or group responsible for clients when they are outside the property of the relevant health board; the level of services such as public transport, shops, employment and social facilities required to be in place before a location is chosen for a health board residential property to help integrate clients into the wider community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8299/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

The mental health services aim to provide each individual patient with the best possible care in the most appropriate setting. Patients are therefore discharged from in-patient psychiatric care to community facilities only after rigorous medical and social assessment and when their clinical conditions warrant it. Patients are responsible for their own behaviour outside the property of the relevant health board.

When identifying property for acquisition as community residences, health boards give due consideration to the location of the premises and to the level of services available, such as public transport, shops, employment and social facilities, to ensure the location offers the maximum opportunity for social integration into the local community. Where access to these services is not readily available, a minibus may be provided to transport patients to the local amenities.