asked the Minister for Health when he proposes to make full financial provision for the rationalisation of psychiatric services in County Kildare including the relocation of patients from Kildare now in St. Dympna's Hospital, Carlow; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some of the property already purchased to meet this need is being vandalised with particular reference to St. Jude's, Kildare; when his Department's proposals will be implemented in regard to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - County Kildare Psychiatric Services.
63.
My Department have been involved in detailed discussions with the South-Eastern and Eastern Health Boards regarding the arrangements necessary for an orderly transfer of responsibility for the provision of psychiatric services for the central and southern sectors of County Kildare. I have provided the necessary capital resources to enable an acute psychiatric unit to be provided at Naas General Hospital which is expected to be fully completed and ready to open by mid-1990. I am aware of the problem referred to by the Deputy regarding the property already purchased for the Kildare service and in this connection, the Eastern Health Board have now a resident caretaker in place at St. Jude's, Kildare. It is my intention that the new service to be operated by the Eastern Health Board should commence as early as possible in 1990.