asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he will state what is the daily food ration provided for adult male patients and attendants in mental hospitals, respectively, and what is the estimated cost of same per man.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - FOOD RATIONS IN MENTAL HOSPITALS.
TOMAS MAC EOIN
The rations provided in the district mental hospitals for patients and attendants are regulated by the dietary scales, as laid down by the Committees of Management. Each committee has power to prescribe the scale, and, in consequence, the diets vary in different institutions. There are altogether 36 scales in operation (18 for patients and 18 for attendants). The cost of rations depends not only on the amount supplied but on current contract prices in the various institutions, and also on the estimated value of supplies from the mental hospital farms. It would not be feasible within the limits of an answer to give all these.
Would the Minister make a return of the Dublin hospital, or any other hospital he wishes to select?
I will do my best to carry out the Deputy's wishes in this respect. We will probably have it within a few days.