asked the Minister for Health if he is satisfied that the authorities at the hospital (details supplied) in Dublin 20 were not negligent when the person (details supplied) who is retarded left without trace.
Written Answers. - Location of Missing Patient.
657.
I have received a detailed report on the events surrounding the disappearance of this person. As a result I am satisfied that the authorities had taken reasonable precautions to prevent such an occurence. In the light of the event, however, the hospital authorities have further increased their precautions against a recurrence.
Following the disappearance of the patient the hospital authorities, with the aid of the Garda, instituted an extensive search and were later assisted by a large number of helpers from various bodies including mountain rescue teams. Despite their extensive efforts and appeals on the radio no trace has been found of the patient. The Garda continue their efforts to trace the patient. When the patient was found to be missing I am satisfied that all possible steps were taken to locate him.