John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Question 189: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the replacement for voluntary admissions to psychiatric units if they were abolished; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37751/05]

Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)
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In line with the recommendations of the 1984 report, Planning for the Future, health service providers have developed and are continuing to develop a comprehensive, community-oriented mental health service as an alternative to institutional care for persons with mental illness. In recent years significant capital funding has been provided towards the development of acute psychiatric units linked to general hospitals as a replacement of services previously provided in psychiatric hospitals. There are now 24 such units in place.

A number of stand-alone psychiatric hospitals continue to accept acute admissions. In line with Government policy, the admission units at these hospitals will be replaced by acute psychiatric units located in general hospitals over the coming years.