asked the Minister for Health where beds are being provided in the near future for the severely mentally handicapped; and how many.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Accommodation for Mentally Handicapped.
60.
Mr. O'Malley
Extra beds for the severely mentally handicapped are being provided at the following mental handicap centres:—
|
Stewart's Hospital, Dublin |
60beds |
|
Lisnagry, Co. Limerick |
56,, |
|
Celbridge, Co. Kildare |
60,, |
|
Monasterevan, Co. Kildare |
70,, |
|
Delvin, Co. Westmeath |
20,, |
|
St. Elizabeth's, Cork |
40,, |
The possibility of making further provision for this class of patient is being examined.
I should like to know who gave the Minister the information that there were 60 beds being provided in Stewart's Hospital. I am a member of the Board there and I am not aware that there are 60 beds being provided for the severely mentally handicapped. In fact, the percentage of severely mentally handicapped in Stewart's Hospital at the moment is much above the percentage in any other institution in the country.
Mr. O'Malley
I gave the number of beds which are being provided.
For the severely mentally handicapped?
Mr. O'Malley
Yes. I said 60 beds are intended for cases of severe mental handicap.
That is not so. That is what I am saying back to the Minister.
Mr. O'Malley
Why is the Deputy asking me, if he knows the answer? This is my information.
If the Ceann Comhairle will allow me, I will tell the Minister. The reason why I am asking is that there are 200 beds urgently needed and that every Deputy is plagued by people all over the country and I am simply asking the Minister in order to see what plans he has, if any, and to make the suggestion that he might use Kenure Park House, which is in the possession of the Land Commission, at the moment, as that kind of hospital.
Mr. O'Malley
I am telling the Deputy what the position is. As far as Stewart's Hospital is concerned, 40 beds are ready and awaiting work on the kitchen and laundry before being occupied.
I am saying that they are not for the severely mentally handicapped.
Mr. O'Malley
A further 20 beds are under construction. That is 60 beds. These 60 beds are intended and will be used for patients of severe mental handicap.
The Board say no.
Mr. O'Malley
I say yes.
Is the Minister aware that this is a voluntary hospital?
Mr. O'Malley
The Deputy is asking me for certain information and to the best of my ability I am giving it to him from the information furnished to me by the Department.
I know the information to be inaccurate.
That does not prevent him from giving it.