The Minister met with families of the Owenacurra health facility in Midleton, County Cork, and he is aware of that situation. The needs of some 400 people have not been met in the past two years because of two short-term respite beds. The Committee on Health and the Sub-Committee on Mental Health have called for the reversal of the HSE's decision to close the centre. I ask the Minister to go back to the Ministers to tell the HSE to reverse that situation. Last Saturday night, a woman who was refused services slept in her car outside the centre. I am asking and appeal once again to the Minister and the Ministers of State to tell the HSE to reverse the decision to close the Owenacurra health facility, in Midleton, County Cork.

I was very glad, in a visit to Cork last week, to meet some relatives of the residents of the centre, to listen with real intent to their heartfelt stories about their relatives, and to hear how this is a home that works and that is central to the lives of those residents. Having returned from Cork, I said I would follow up and do whatever I could do. Further follow-up has indicated it is complicated because I am told there is a fire inspector's report-----

It is very simple. Just ask them to reverse it and provide the services the HSE has failed to provide.

Please allow the Minister to respond.

I am just reporting back what I heard having followed it up, and with real concern for the relatives concerned. I do not want to be inaccurate here, but there is a report from the fire officer that says the building is not fit for purpose and that some residents must be moved. It is a complex issue but those residents and their needs must be looked after.