Ulick Burke (Fine Gael)

The report on a study carried out by three medical practitioners in the west at centres caring for the elderly, both private and public, clearly shows an abuse in the use of anti-psychotic drugs in the treatment of the patients who have some symptoms of dementia. It is appalling that there is inappropriate use of these drugs in controlling the patients. When the authorities of those institutions were asked, they stated they were using them to control restlessness, tendencies to wander and shouting and disruption of that kind of a minor nature. It is important we immediately take action to ensure constant monitoring for such abuse in both private and public facilities which care for the elderly. If these are the methods being used, it is not good enough to call this caring for the elderly.

The report showed that of the 80 patients surveyed on the prescription of regular anti-psychotic medication, 51% were receiving inappropriate drugs. That is an alarming statistic. I ask the Acting Leader to immediately contact the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, to ensure that proper guidelines are put in place on the use of such drugs for the elderly. I am told that some of those drugs cause a risk of stroke. If those institutions are using drugs that will cause further illnesses, it is an alarming issue which must be investigated as a matter of urgency so that the elderly will be cared for properly in institutions, both private and public.