Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 188: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she has received correspondence from a group (details supplied); the details of her response to it; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29953/04]

Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)
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Correspondence has been received from the group referred to by the Deputy on the relocation of the Central Mental Hospital. In responding to the group's concerns, it has been explained that proposals for the development of a new Central Mental Hospital are under consideration in my Department. The majority of admissions to the Central Mental Hospital come from within the prison service. Accordingly, ease of access between the main Dublin prisons and the hospital is of importance. I understand that the location of the hospital adjacent to a prison would have operational benefits for the prison service. On the other hand, it must be borne in mind that the Central Mental Hospital is a therapeutic, health care facility. I fully agree with families and carers who feel that it would not be desirable that the hospital be perceived as, or closely identified with, a prison complex.

I understand that the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform has advanced proposals to develop a new prison complex replacing Mountjoy. I recognise the potential benefits of close co-operation between that project and the re-development of the Central Mental Hospital and have asked my officials to consider how the matter might be progressed to the mutual benefit of both services.