Vol. 560 No. 1
657 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No. 96 of 28 February 2002 and a report on the matter in a national newspaper (details supplied) of 5 January 2003, if he will establish a departmental or independent inquiry into the allegations and issues raised by the child's father; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1322/03]
I have received a report from the South Eastern Health Board on the matter referred to. I have requested the Inspector of Mental Hospitals to examine the report and to make further inquiries, if he sees fit, in order to ascertain whether the matter was dealt with appropriately by the health board.
658 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No. 157 of 7 November 2002, if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the South Eastern Health Board has not as yet issued a reply and that the person mentioned in the parliamentary question has been discharged and that the concerns of the family have not been dealt with; the out-patient care which has been put in place given the medical history of the person; if the hospital maintains contact with the person; if the concerns of the family will be addressed; if the board will meet the family; if the issues raised in the previous parliamentary question will be addressed; if he has satisfied himself with the action taken by the South Eastern Health Board relative to this matter; if, in relation to the parliamentary question system, he has satisfied himself with the board's response time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1323/03]
I am informed by the South Eastern Health Board that the person to which the Deputy refers is currently an in-patient in St. Dympna's Hospital, Carlow, and will be offered long-term accommodation in one of the board's hostels or rehabilitation units once a place becomes available, when the acute psychiatric unit opens in St. Luke's Hospital, Kilkenny. This offer of accommodation is open ended and has been advised to the person's family.
