Hospital no better than Mandela's cell, says Tánaiste

TÁNAISTE and Health Minister Mary Harney last night compared the way the State treats patients at the Central Mental Hospital with conditions meted out to Nelson Mandela by the Apartheid regime.

Ms Harney said she was appalled at what she had witnessed during a "nightmare" visit to the facility this week.

"The Central Mental Hospital is just appalling. The worst of my nightmare fears were realised.