David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

May I interrupt briefly? I wish to focus on east Cork. Am I right in saying that if the centre at Owenacurra closes, the nearest facility will be St. Stephen's Hospital? As Dr. O'Brien is aware, St. Stephen's is in a rural area far from any town centre. At the Owenacurra centre, the residents are familiar with the town centre.

They can walk up and down the street. I have met and know many of them. They engage me on the street regularly. They are there with their friends, neighbours and so on. It is familiar to them. I ask the witnesses to comment on the difference between what is happening in Owenacurra at the moment and what might happen in St. Stephen's. Is there any plan, or any need, to have a centre such as Owenacurra in east Cork, covering areas such as Youghal? It is a long distance from Youghal to St. Stephen's for families and others.