Jimmy Devins (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fianna Fail)

Absolutely. It is an issue of concern to me also and I strongly support the need for these beds.

Looking further ahead, the construction of two 20-bed units for children and adolescents in Cork and Galway will also commence this year and will be, it is anticipated, completed by Autumn 2009. I recognise the many challenges that lie ahead but I assure the Deputy that the Government is fully committed to the continued development of our mental health services, as clearly reflected in the decision last January to establish the Office for Disability and Mental Health. The new office brings together responsibility for a range of different policy areas and State services and aims to bring about improvements in the manner in which these services respond to the needs of people with disabilities and mental health issues by working to develop person-centred services, focusing on the holistic needs of clients and service users and actively involving them in their own care. I have been designated Minister of State with responsibility for disabilities and mental health and the new office will support me and facilitate cross-agency and cross-departmental working and thus enable us to deliver real benefits to clients and service users into the future.

On the Deputy's second question, I would be grateful if the Deputy could provide me with details of the case to which she referred. I have been working, during the past couple of hours, on a particular case in the south east. I will keep in touch with the Deputy on the matter.

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