asked the Minister for Health the proposals, if any, he has for the provision of community-based psychiatric care for patients in County Kildare; the plans, if any, he has for the provision of these facilities in the near future having regard to the proposed diminished role to be played by St. Dympna's Hospital, Carlow in the services in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Kildare Psychiatric Care.
79.
The plans for the provision of a community based psychiatric service in County Kildare involve the transfer of responsibility for the psychiatric service for the central and southern portion of County Kildare from the South-Eastern Health Board to the Eastern Health Board. My Department have provided capital resources to enable a network of community facilities to be provided in the area including sector headquarters, day facilities and hostels. Discussions have been held with the two health boards concerned for the purposes of arranging for an orderly transfer of responsibilities. I expect that these discussions will be finalised shortly so that the community based service in Kildare can commence as soon as possible.