Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I support what the Chairman has said about bringing in the HSE, and also what Senator Buttimer said about bringing in the Mental Health Commission. That is a good suggestion.

My heart goes out to Dr. Kelleher. It is clear that she is passionate about this and loves her aunt dearly and wants her to be cared for. That is what we all want. We want her aunt and all the other residents to be delivered the service and care they deserve and to get it in a building that is fit for purpose. What the HSE is saying clearly to us is that the care is fit for purpose but, currently, the building is not. It is telling us that the service is badly needed but the building is the problem. I would like to ensure that all the residents get the care they need in a building that is fit for purpose and as accessible to family members as possible.

Is a day-care service being provided in the facility? Does Dr. Kelleher have any information in that regard?

I refer to the building works that the HSE is telling us cannot be done but in respect of which Dr. Kelleher has received guidance stating it is possible to do them. Has she received indications of costings of the work from the people to whom she has spoken who say it can be done?