Tom Morrissey (Progressive Democrats)

The reason I have tabled this matter for discussion on the Adjournment is that I have received representations about a particular case in a psychiatric unit in James Connolly Memorial Hospital, Blanchardstown. While everybody will acknowledge that a great deal of money has been spent on hospital services over the last five years, little has been spent on providing security for front line staff.

Security is provided for accident and emergency departments in some hospitals, but tonight I am discussing security in psychiatric units. The unit to which I wish to refer is unit 9 in James Connolly Memorial Hospital. The information I have been given is that nurses are operating in the unit in fear of their lives every day. Security is non-existent, even though dangerous patients are housed within the confines of the unit. In a letter from the Minister, Deputy Martin, last year the Department of Health and Children acknowledged that the inspector of mental hospitals had said in his annual report that unit 9 was not an appropriate facility for the management of disturbed in-patients. However, no security is provided for staff in the location.

I ask the Minister to address this matter and see what can be done. I am sure this problem arises in more hospitals than the one mentioned.