Vol. 394 No. 8
49 Mr. Byrne asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a person has been detained in the Central Mental Hospital, Dundrum, Dublin 14 for 52 years, at a reported cost of £1.8 million; if he is satisfied that procedures for reviewing the cases of patients held in the Central Mental Hospital is adequate; if it is intended to provide for more suitable accommodation for such patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I am aware of the case referred to by the Deputy. Decisions regarding patients are not based on financial considerations. The capacity and wishes of each patient are among the considerations taken into account. In this context it is worth noting that the patient referred to has worked outside the hospital for the last 30 years.
I might add that my Department, in conjunction with the Eastern Health Board, are currently reviewing all aspects of the operation of the Central Mental Hospital including review procedures for patients detained in that hospital and the type of accommodation provided for such patients.
