Brian Cowen
Ceist:44 Mr. Cowen asked the Minister for Health the plans, if any, he has to reappraise the level of cover and support in community mental health care following the recent tragic murders in Dublin. [8122/97]
Vol. 476 No. 7
44 Mr. Cowen asked the Minister for Health the plans, if any, he has to reappraise the level of cover and support in community mental health care following the recent tragic murders in Dublin. [8122/97]
46 Mr. M. McDowell asked the Minister for Health if he will give details of the security arrangements at psychiatric residential units in the community; the changes, if any, which have been introduced following the recent murder of two women residents in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8130/97]
Limerick East): I propose to take Questions Nos. 44 and 46 together. First, I am sure that Deputies will join me in expressing our condolences to the families and friends of the deceased.
As Deputies will be aware, it has been the policy of successive Governments to restructure the psychiatric services through the development of services located in the community as an alternative to institution-based care. This policy has been widely accepted as providing a much improved quality of life for persons who were former in-patients of psychiatric hospitals.
The community based facilities include community residences which offer high, medium and low levels of support. A flexible approach to each patient is required and structures and staff support levels vary relative to each patient's needs.
Those who have recovered from their illness and who are capable of independent living with minimum support are accommodated in low-support residences. This type of facility has mimimum staffing levels and is supervised by members of a multi-disciplinary team working in community settings. The security facilities provided in low-support residences would be similar to those provided in the typical family home.