Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The Mental Health Commission is clear in its definition. It states an approved centre is intended "to provide in-patient treatment to people suffering from mental illness. The MHC maintains a register of all approved centres." The chief executive stated the HSE is going to move to close the Owenacurra Centre. Will Mr. Reid reconsider that position? I am not convinced, and I imagine I speak comfortably for all the Members of the Oireachtas who represent the Cork East constituency, there is a proper, fit-for-purpose local alternative solution to respond to the centre’s closure. Mr. Reid made reference in his opening remarks to Glenwood, but from what I can see in the planning application, that is not to be designated as an approved centre. In fact, there was no mention of the fact it would become an approved centre.

Right now, there are 11 people who do not know where they are supposed to go, yet they have expressed a clear will and preference. Mr. Reid used the expression "will and preference". I would contend that as long as they continue to express a will and preference to stay at the Owenacurra Centre, they should be allowed to do so for as long as is necessary, in accordance with their will and preference. I do not believe our guests have presented to us a fit-for-purpose and local alternative for them. Sending them 30 km up the road is not a solution. That is not how we treat people in this day and age. If they continue to express a will and preference not to move, that must be respected. Furthermore, the moneys the HSE has spent on improving the Owenacurra Centre have to be taken into account. I understand more than €359,000 has been spent there since 2016. There is no alternative for the residents at present. Our guests have presented the Carrigaline centre as an alternative, but it is not an approved centre. The residents – 11 souls - are almost being cast out. I ask Mr. Reid to please reconsider and to have a bit of heart in respect of these people.