asked the Minister for Health how often reports are made to his Department on conditions in mental hospitals; if he is satisfied with these reports; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mental Hospital Conditions.
1.
In compliance with the provisions of the Mental Treatment Act, 1945, reports are made to my Department on conditions in mental hospitals run by health boards once a year. Where circumstances require it, more frequent inspections and reports are made.
I am aware that in some mental hospitals conditions are not as good as they should be. The taking of steps to have the necessary improvements carried out is primarily a matter for the health boards concerned. As I have previously informed the Deputy, I am giving a high priority to the improvement of mental hospital conditions and have asked my Department to keep up the pressure to have the position in all of them remedied as soon as possible.