€2m raised in mental health sell-off left unspent

THE HSE has been accused of letting down the “most unfortunate” patients in society as it emerged that not a cent of the €2 million-plus raised from the sale of former psychiatric hospital property in 2006 and 2007 went back into mental health services.

Professionals involved in delivering psychiatric services have demanded that any money raised from the disposal of land to be immediately pumped into alleviating outdated facilities.

In 2006, €1,331,803 was realised through the sale of psychiatric land and buildings while €776,000 was earned last year.