asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the serious problem of underage drinking and adult alcoholism; his views on whether this problem is as serious as unemployment; if so, if he can justify the closure of the Rathlin Unit in St. Davnet's Hospital, County Monaghan; if he will give an undertaking to have it reopened immediately; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Underage Drinking and Adult Alcoholism.
198.
I am very much aware of the problem of underage drinking and the problem of alcoholism in general. I have had inquiries made of the North-Eastern Health Board and I have been informed that there have been no admissions to the Rathlin Unit at St. Davnet's Hospital, Monaghan since 19 April, 1987. This 10-bed unit which is located in the hospital's admission unit had an occupancy rate of under 25 per cent in the six months prior to April 1987. Persons now admitted because of alcohol-related problems are treated in the hospital's admission wards. Treatment for alcohol-related problems has become more out-patient orientated at St. Davnet's Hospital with greater emphasis on seeing patients in their own homes and involving families in the therapeutic process. In addition, a community education and preventive programme is provided by hospital staff.
I am satisfied that the North-Eastern Health Board is providing a comprehensive service from St. Davnet's Hospital for persons with alcohol-related problems which is in line with the policy set out in the report of the Study Group on the Development of the Psychiatric Services —"Planning for the Future".