Jimmy Devins (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fianna Fail)

I propose to answer Questions Nos. 87 and 145 together.

The development of an acute psychiatric unit at Beaumont Hospital to replace the facility at St. Ita's, Portrane, is included in the HSE's national capital plan for the period 2006 to 2010. A project team has agreed the staffing and operational aspects of the unit.

During 2007, with a view to optimising the location of the range of capital projects planned for the Beaumont campus, a development control plan process was initiated. The draft development control plan has now identified an alternative site for the development of the acute psychiatric unit. It will be necessary for the project team to revisit the design and layout of the unit in the context of the new site. However, this will also afford the opportunity to the project team to review the design in the light of the recommendations in A Vision for Change, the report of the expert group on mental health policy.

See this speech in context