Mary White (Fianna Fail)

Will the Leader arrange a debate next week on the proposed relocation of the Central Mental Hospital in Dundrum to a site close to the new prison? The Minister of State, Deputy Brian Lenihan, said at a public meeting in the area that no consultation on the location of the prison had taken place before the decision was made. Yesterday, I met Mr. Michael Ringrose, chief executive of People with Disabilities in Ireland. He said the siting of the hospital in the same complex as a prison, if allowed to proceed, would generate stereotypical perceptions of people with mental health difficulties.

Every day when travelling to and from the House, I pass the Central Mental Hospital in Dundrum and there is certainly no sense of criminalisation. I know the people in it have committed misdemeanours of various degrees but they are mentally ill, so it is a sensitive matter. Yesterday, I heard from the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children that a Cabinet decision had been made that this would go ahead, but a Cabinet decision was also made on the Hanly report. This relocation should be considered again by the Cabinet.

The Irish College of Psychiatrists, the Mental Health Commission, the Psychiatric Nurses Association of Ireland, Aware, the Samaritans, relatives and care groups at the Central Mental Hospital and Schizophrenia Ireland are totally opposed to the relocation of the hospital to a site in close proximity to this prison. We all know conditions in the Central Mental Hospital are appalling. Mr. Ringrose said economic pragmatism — and if I may dare say so, right-wing politics again — seem to prevail over the dignity of people with disabilities. As the hospital is close to the Luas line, it is now realised that it will fetch millions of euro if sold for housing development. A very short-term view is being taken. If that decision is implemented, it will have serious consequences for future generations.