SHB rejects criticism of handicapped unit

The Southern Health Board has defended the treatment of the mentally handicapped at one of its units in Cork.

A spokeswoman dismissed as "inaccurate exploitation" media reports of the plight of Mr Paul O'Sullivan (34), who was diagnosed with autistic tendencies at the age of six and has been in State care since he was seven.

Mr O'Sullivan's family claim he has regressed since going into care, that he received little or no therapy, had a dangerously low body weight and tore at his face and clothes out of boredom. They also say they are denied room visits.

However, the chief executive officer of the board, Mr Seβn Hurley, said the reporting had "impugned" his staff. All 30 residents were safe and well cared for.