asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that in some health board areas insured workers seeking treatment in district psychiatric hospitals are required after a short period in such hospitals to have up to half their social welfare disability benefit retained by the health board; and, if so, the action he intends to take to have the situation rectified.
Ceistéanna—Questions Oral Answers - Psychiatric Treatment Costs.
4.
An insured person is entitled to receive treatment in a district psychiatric hospital free of charge. Where such a patient remains in the hospital and his continued stay is governed by social reasons rather than treatment requirements, then he is regarded as a person in receipt of institutional assistance. In such cases the health board concerned generally appropriates part of the social welfare payment towards maintenance charges.
If the Deputy will be kind enough to let me have particulars of cases he has in mind I will have the position examined.
Would the Minister not consider it important that this matter be examined urgently? It is a serious matter when public officials are deciding whether a person is ill. It is contrary to the whole purpose of the Acts in respect of mental and medical treatment. The Minister in the past few years has supported me in my plea with regard to this matter and I would ask him now to give it urgent consideration.
I am informed there may be abuses and these abuses are being examined.
These abuses are occurring throughout the country. In many cases pension books and social welfare allowances are being taken from people and I would appreciate if the Minister would look into the matter.