Aisling Dolan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Regarding the psychiatry of later life, more robotics are being used when it comes to engaging with people with dementia and enabling them to be more creative and engage their creative sides. Even songs and similar approaches are used to engage with people. Where we may be short on resources, especially, we must find ways that enable one-to-one engagement and particularly with older people. It is a topic close to my heart. Dr. Keogh will be aware that we used to have St. Brigid’s psychiatric institution in Ballinasloe and that wonderful institution delivered acute services. I am aware that the move now is towards a model of more community-based care, but I believe in the importance of acute intervention.

One thing I will be following up on with the Minister of State is how we engage with our front-line services in areas of acute intervention, particularly in the case of the Garda. Mention was also made of the Prison Service, and the prisons are the institutions which are tackling many of the acute areas in this regard. I appreciate that aspect being highlighted. I thank the Chair for the time to contribute, but I do not know if the witnesses will have time to respond.