asked the Minister for Health whether he is aware that there are approximately 1,000 patients on the waiting list for admission to the St. John of God Home, Blackrock, County Dublin, a number of whom will be beyond the prescribed age when their turn on the list is reached; and whether in the circumstances he will indicate what alternative arrangements it is proposed to make to meet the position.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Waiting List for Mental Home.
Mr. O'Sullivan
I am aware that the extent of the accommodation available for mental defectives falls far short of what is desirable. In the seven years hospital building programme, provision is made for accommodation for an additional 630 males. This was the maximum number for which I felt justified in making provision, having regard to the competing claims for increased and improved accommodation in general hospitals for acute surgical and medical cases, in maternity hospitals for maternity cases and for the neonatal care of infants, in sanatoria in the interests of curtailing the spread of tuberculosis and the treatment of persons already suffering from it, in mental hospitals in the interests of providing an improved standard of treatment for mental patients, as well as a number of other very desirable projects; but I feel that the provision I have mentioned to cater for additional mental defectiveness should go a considerable distance towards relieving the situation.