26 Mr. Harte asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to a statement in the public press (details supplied) regarding the transfer of patients from St. Conal's Hospital, Letterkenny, County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter in view of public concern and so as to establish the facts of the matter. [1310/95]

Limerick East): I am aware of the comments made by a member of the Oireachtas concerning the transfer of certain patients from St. Conal's Hospital, Letterkenny, County Donegal.

The North Western Health Board, which is responsible for the delivery of health services in Donegal, has informed me that the patients in question — just over 20 in number — are long-stay elderly patients who are no longer under the care of a psychiatrist. Most of them are from mid and north-west Donegal.