Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 26 Mar 1997

Vol. 477 No. 1

Written Answers. - Psychiatric Services.

Tony Killeen

Ceist:

112 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for Health the current position regarding the provision of an acute psychiatric unit in the grounds of Ennis General Hospital, County Clare; the plans, if any, for Our Lady's Hospital, Ennis, when such a unit is in use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8578/97]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan

Limerick East): In February, 1996 I announced approval to the commencement of planning for the provision of an acute psychiatric unit to be located at Ennis General Hospital, which will replace the current acute admission facilities at Our Lady's Hospital, Ennis. A draft planning brief for the proposed new unit has been drawn up and is at present being considered in detail by my Department. This examination is expected to be completed shortly and formal approval to proceed further with the planning process will follow.

As far as the future of Our Lady's Hospital is concerned, I understand that Clare County Council has entered discussions with the Mid-Western Health Board regarding the possible acquisition of the hospital site following the opening of the new acute psychiatric unit at Ennis General Hospital. I am informed by the Mid-Western Health Board that non-acute in-patient facilities will continue to be provided at Our Lady's Hospital for a period after the new acute unit comes into operation. It is the board's intention to develop a range of alternative community based facilities of an acceptable standard for these patients and I can assure the Deputy that the hospital site will not be disposed of until such facilities are in place.