Western mental health facilities
Denis Naughten seeks an urgent independent review after the HSE proposed replacing €8 million of mental-health buildings with €24 million of new facilities. The Taoiseach advises him to submit evidence of alleged mismanagement to the Minister of State for mental health.
The HSE in the west is decommissioning or demolishing €8 million worth of new builds and replacing it with €24 million worth of new facilities that will accommodate similar services. Private Members' motion No. 134 is on the urgent need for an independent review of the mental health services in the west. Can this issue be expedited because it is clear there is mismanagement of public funds as a direct result of the failure of the HSE to properly plan for both local and regional services in the mental health area?
Comment on this
This is a Private Members' motion and Deputy Naughten will be aware of the rules that apply in respect of Private Members' motions. If he makes a claim that there is mismanagement of public funds, that is a serious matter. I would advise him to bring it to the direct attention of the Minister of State at the Department of Health dealing with the mental health area, Deputy Kathleen Lynch. The Minister of State is diligent in her duties and if Deputy Naughten has evidence of deliberate mismanagement of public funds, then I would advise him to bring it to her notice.
Comment on this
I did so on the floor of the House here on Wednesday morning last.