Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank all our members. I have one or two questions before we conclude. It is very upsetting to hear what is happening to the families and residents of the Owenacurra centre. I listened to some of the residents speaking on the radio yesterday. I was extremely moved by how they spoke about the fear and anxiety, and how they feel about being moved out of their home. This is a place that changed their lives dramatically. These are people who had been struggling with mental health issues for many years and who had nowhere to go. They had a home at Owenacurra but not only that, the staff were just so brilliant. I feel upset for them.

At one of our meetings approximately a month ago, we heard from the families about the devastation, anxiety and worry this has brought for them. There must be some way that this decision can be reversed. Listen to what the residents and families are saying to really hear the anxiety of being moved and placed somewhere else. They will not in their communities anymore. The fact is that they can walk down to their local library. Everybody knows and welcomes them in the shops. The community in the Midleton area is wonderful. The people involved here risk being moved to somewhere close by but they will not be able to walk to Midleton if the relevant facility is five miles away.

Where will future service users who suffer with enduring mental illness be referred for respite for long-term placements if the centre is closed? Can this decision be reversed? What will it take to reverse it? I would love to hear the answer to that question. I thank the witnesses very much.