asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of recent reports in the public press that persons are being put in care of a group colloquially known as "The Screamers" in Burtonport, County Donegal; and, if so, if any payment has been made or is intended to be made by his Department or the health boards; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I have seen recent press reports alleging that persons have been referred by the North-Western Health Board to a group in Burtonport known locally as "The Screamers". One of the reports—in the Sligo Champion, 15 September 1978—contained denial of the allegations by an officer of the health board.

I have made inquiries and I am informed that the health board have not placed persons in the care of the group. No payment has been made to the group by the health board or by my Department and it is not intended to do so. I am not aware than any other health board has referred persons to the group.