§ Dr. O'DONOVANasked the Minister of Health whether representations have reached his Department or the Board of Control that the requirements of Section 49 of the Lunacy Act, 1890, have 31W been altered within the last 10 years to the detriment of the friends or relatives who desire to secure the discharge of a patient; that previous to that date the two doctors appointed to examine a patient paid one visit each and reported, but now they are required to go together on two visits, thus doubling the cost in fees; and, in view of the fact that such an increased cost is prohibitive to the poor, will he look into this and see if it is possible to return to the practice previously obtaining?
Sir H. YOUNGThe requirements of Section 49 of the Lunacy Act, 1890, have not been altered, but some years ago the Board of Control, after careful consideration, expressed the opinion that the Section requires that the two medical practitioners should examine the patient together on two separate occasions. Since 1928 the board have received two representations in the matter. The point has been noted for consideration in the event of amending legislation being introduced.