Tipperary mental health services
Deputy McGrath raised the lack of long-stay mental health beds and suitable services for south Tipperary patients. The Minister of State said the issue was outside promised legislation but confirmed further meetings, an update on the crisis house, planning and design were being arranged.
I call a representative of the Rural Independent Group to ask an appropriate question.
Comment on this
My questions are always appropriate, I hope-----
Comment on this
I want to ask about mental health services in Tipperary, particularly in the south of the county. As a result of the closure of St. Michael's psychiatric unit a few years ago and the so-called A Vision for Change policy, we do not have even one long-stay bed in Tipperary for patients. There is no room in Kilkenny, Ennis or Limerick. There is an apartheid situation prevailing in terms of Tipperary patients having to go to Limerick if their addresses do not meet the criteria. This is totally unacceptable to the people of south Tipperary. We have significant issues, with many suicides and cases of self-harm.
There are substantial complex issues developing because we do not have any treatment centres. I see the Minister of State, Deputy Daly, is here. I know he is doing his best but it has gone beyond the time for talking. we need the crisis house built and developed and we need St. Michael's in Clonmel reopened.
Comment on this
There is no promised legislation on this matter but, as the Deputy knows, I have been engaging with him and his colleagues on this matter for some time. I gave a commitment to meet him and his colleagues again by the middle of July. That meeting was agreed at this morning's diary meeting and the Deputy will get an invitation to meet me, Ms Liz Kinsella and the other people involved in the coming weeks-----
Comment on this
-----to give him an update on developments in respect of the crisis house, the planning permission, and the design.