asked the Minister for Health whether he will give consideration to the question of authorising the Dublin Health Authority to take over the running of the Central Mental Hospital, Dundrum in the interests of the patients there and with a view to the number of staff being enlarged to provide for more advanced treatment being carried out than the present detention method.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Central Mental Hospital.
109.
I do not accept the implication in the Deputy's question that the Central Mental Hospital is a place of detention only. Rehabilitation of patients is one of the primary aims of the hospital authorities and drug therapy, occupational and recreational therapy, are employed successfully to that end. The hospital also has a system of parole which is working well and which helps patients to reintegrate with the community.
I accept, however, that there is a case for the integration of the hospital with the psychiatric services of the Dublin Health Authority and this is being considered at present in connection with the proposed legislation to implement the White Paper on the Health Services and their future development.