Last June it was announced that the Owenacurra mental health centre in Midleton was to close on 31 October last. That has not happened. It seems there is no suitable place for the residents to move to. Obviously, this has caused a lot of angst, uncertainty and worry among residents and their families. There also seems to be an issue with the future policy on the mental health residential centres across the country as to whether they are to be kept in existence. I acknowledge the role the Minister of State, Deputy Butler, has played in this and the support she has given, but at this stage the residents and their families on the committee need certainty. What will happen with the site? Will it be built on? Will it be residential? The HSE is doing its best, but the matter has dragged on and on and certainty is required soon.

I thank the Deputy for raising this issue again. As he will know, we have had extensive collaboration and meetings on the Owenacurra site in Midleton. I am conscious of the fact that 19 people call Owenacurra their home. As the Deputy will know, however, the centre was built in 1960. It is not fit for purpose any more due to asbestos and fire safety issues. The Mental Health Commission contacted Cork County Council in March of this year to explain that it was very concerned. We are looking at solutions, as the Deputy will know. I wish to put on the record that for six residents living in Owenacurra, their physical health is now more of an issue than their mental health. Six of the residents are transferring into nursing homes under fair deal. I will not go through the details on all 19 residents but, as the Deputy will know, the HSE, under community healthcare organisation 4, is currently looking for a premises in Midleton as a community residence. There are no issues with community residences for mental health. We have 1,200 community residences dotted all over Ireland, with many residents living in the communities, and that will continue.