Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 30 Jan 1990

Vol. 394 No. 8

Written Answers. - Accommodation for Mentally Handicapped.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

78 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that, since his earlier commitments the suitable accommodation which was promised for residents of the former children's unit at St. Loman's Hospital, Dublin 20, has not been provided by the Eastern Health Board; if he will make inquiries with the relevant authorities to establish when such suitable accommodation for the 22 severely mentally handicapped and autistic young adults will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Hanlon)

The Eastern Health Board have decided to provide alternative housing for the 21 mentally handicapped residents in the unit referred to by the Deputy in bungalows on a site on the campus of St. Loman's Hospital. My Department are discussing with officials of the board how this proposal can be implemented as soon as possible.

In the meantime, the Eastern Health Board have spent £60,000 approximately renovating and refurnishing the existing unit. This renovation work, which has just been completed, has greatly improved conditions for residents and staff of the unit.