Michael Harty (Clare, Independent)
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I welcome the witnesses, particularly Bernard Gloster and Dr. John O'Mahoney from CHO 3. In fact, the mid-western hospital group, for want of a better term, and the CHO 3 coincide. The mid-west is one of the few areas where the hospital group and the CHO coincide, which makes management perhaps a little easier.

Deputy Carey has spoken about the CAMHS. There is a lack of key community care personnel in various areas. It varies from a shortage of 30% to 11%. In west Clare there is a shortage of psychologists, social workers and occupational therapists. There are many key areas where there is a gap in the service. Will the witnesses comment on that? In addition, will they comment on how that impinges on suicide prevention and services for drug and alcohol addiction, which is a huge problem?

I note that the total number of whole-time equivalents is 786. Perhaps the witnesses will indicate how many whole-time equivalents are required. There is a breakdown in the various areas in the submission. With regard to acute beds, the acute psychiatric unit in Clare also covers north Tipperary. That puts a huge amount of pressure on the acute beds for Clare and the mid-west. Perhaps the witnesses will comment on how that is working and on the shortage. I believe they mentioned there is a shortage of eight.

With regard to cognitive behaviour therapy, which ties in with key personnel being absent, how is that being delivered? Also, how does that tie in with over-medication? As a practitioner I find there is a great deal of over-medication in psychiatry.

Perhaps that is a reflection of not having enough talk therapy and counsellors in the system. Will Mr. Gloster comment on his connection with the voluntary bodies in the mid-west? What connection is there between the statutory and the voluntary bodies? With regard to dementia services, I know there is a challenge in respect of inpatient beds for dementia and separating dementia patients from patients who have very challenging behaviour. Mixing the two together can impinge on patient care. Does Mr. Gloster have unspent funds which must be returned because he is unable to employ personnel? It seems to be a recurring theme that the Minister announces an extra €35 million for mental health services every year, but €15 million is returned because it has not been spent. Is that a reflection on not being able to recruit?