asked the Minister for Health (a) the total gross expenditure by health authorities in respect of mental health services during each of the years ended 31st March 1962 and 31st March 1966; and (b) the total number of registered patients in mental health institutions maintained by health authorities on the 31st March, 1962 and on 31st March, 1966.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mental Health Services.
151.
I assume that the question relates to the revenue expenditure on mental health services towards which grants are payable from the Vote for my Department.
The total gross expenditure was £5,285,600 for the year ended 31st March, 1962. Receipts, other than grants from the Health Vote, amounted to £948,000 and the net expenditure was, accordingly, £4,337600. Corresponding figures for the year ending 31st March, 1966, were £8,006,700, £1,341,000, and £6,665,700, respectively.
The statistical returns supplied to my Department indicate the patient population of district mental hospitals on the 31st December only and the average daily number resident in each financial year. The patient population on 31st December, 1961, was 19,077 and on 31st December, 1965, it was 17,584. The average daily number of patients in the years ended 31st March, 1962, and 31st March, 1966, was 18,907 and 17,618, respectively.
In view of the colossal size of the problem and the numbers necessarily involved, does the Minister consider that we are spending sufficient of what we take in revenue upon it?
The Minister has the report of the Commission before him and I presume, arising out of that, and out of the normal development of his Department, we will probably have votes for the expenditure of more money.
And further steps?
Whatever steps are necessary to deal with the problem.