Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this really important issue. I do understand how important this service is. I have spoken to those using the service and those involved in setting it up. Colleagues of the Deputy had a meeting with the Minister, Deputy McConalogue, yesterday as well. I was also in contact with Dermot Monaghan, who is the chief officer in the area.

When I spoke yesterday I had not received the briefing in this regard. Where we are now is that a meeting has been scheduled by the HSE to review the request received from the Raphoe diocesan pastoral services and consideration will be given to all the issues arising, taking particular cognisance of the impacts on the service users. It covers primary care, social inclusion, Tusla and mental health. Now, my mental health budget last year did provide €56,428 for a waiting list initiative and we will look at this aspect again. I will, though, stay over the details of this issue, working with everybody. This is a hugely important service and I was very much struck by someone bereaved by the Creeslough tragedy reaching out personally to my office.

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