Mark Ward (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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I live in the real world as well. The reality is there will be a need for a 24-hour service encompassing a community mental health facility in east Cork. With the closing of Owenacurra, it means the service will be gone for the people of east Cork. A number of members have said that is not good enough. It is heartbreaking. I again read testimonies yesterday of the residents living there and it is absolutely heartbreaking to think these people's homes, structure and daily routines will be affected in this way. It is absolutely heartbreaking.

The witnesses mentioned they have assured families in briefings that no dangers are posed to the residents in Owenacurra from building issues. The Minister of State, Deputy Mary Butler, has nonetheless said in answers to parliamentary questions that there is a serious fire risk. How can those statements be reconciled?