Mr. Michael Fitzgerald:

The Deputy is voicing a concern about services and the removal of services in the area, which is a reasonable thing to put to us. We are always anxious to develop, and always have developed, good, community-based services in mental health and in other services in that town and general area. It is our full intention to continue to do so. It is also important to say that we did not set out to close Owenacurra. The reality is that the building is not suitable for the purpose it serves now or would serve into the immediate future. That is a problem that is not easily fixed and that is an important issue. I know I have said it before but I have to keep coming back to this point. Some people are moving through those services and into more independent living where that is possible. It behoves us, therefore, to ensure that we are providing those services in an appropriate setting.

I ask Dr. O'Brien to comment on the assessment process because it is important to know that due care and attention are being given to that. We do not take that lightly and, as Dr. O'Brien already said, it is individual based.