Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I will and as a constituency representative I am familiar with the local issues. It is right and proper that people bring them up because they are the tangible, real examples of what this means to people on the ground.

On the issue of funding I have committed to the need to increase the budget next year and we have committed to adding €55 million. The Senator asked about equitable distribution and how to make sure each region or area is getting a fair share. I am due to visit Kilkenny this month and will meet the CHO officials. I will make it my business to put mental health on the agenda for that discussion. There is a recognition that we need approximately 20 additional beds in the Senator's area for CHO 5. I understand the HSE is working on a plan to deliver that. I will certainly get a more detailed answer for her. We recognise that there is a shortage of approximately 20 beds in CHO 5. I will work directly with the Senator to update her on that. The opening of the new central mental hospital will provide not just additional beds but forensic beds under CAMHS as well. The reorientation of the service to different levels of intervention is an important way to go. I will update the Senator after I meet CHO 5, which I expect to be in the next ten days or so.