John McGuinness
Question:150 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children the guidelines or procedures his Department has in place in each health board area to manage all payments, including disablement allowance and old age pension to patients in psychiatric hospitals and other institutions operated or managed by health boards; if all those in this type of care are entitled to benefit; the number of health boards that have already established written guidelines; if they have been explained to patients or their families; the deductions made from the benefit paid to patients and the way in which the balance is managed; if he will end the policy of some health boards that use part of the balance left to patients to furnish their rooms; if each health board will have a system in place that is transparent and accountable and protects the right of the patient and the integrity of the staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31798/03]
