John Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I have also read the report of the Inspector of Mental Health Services, which was published on 29 May. I am in this job three weeks and I give a full commitment that, whatever has happened before, I intend pushing forward immediately with the sale of lands and properties owned by the HSE. I do not intend to travel just for the sake of travelling. The hospitals outlined specifically in the report need to be sold off. I have asked the officials of the Department to draw up a current list of valuations.

I intend to invite the Oireachtas Members who represent the specific areas to a meeting in Leinster House this month to get their public support for selling those properties. I accept the views expressed in the report with regard to the need to move from the old days — some of these institutions have been there for 150 years — and to build proper modern facilities. I intend to progress this and I will not make a report on progress next year or the year after, but on a six-monthly basis.

Not all of the expressions in the commission's report are bad news and it is important to note the report is broadly positive. I recognise not just the fact that facilities are poor, but also the positive structures which are moving us to a situation where we are doing what is right for people who suffer mental health difficulties. The report highlights the significant changes that have occurred following the full implementation of the Mental Health Act 2001 and it makes the point that this includes the independent review system for those admitted involuntarily, which is important. We had looked for this process for years but the tribunals are now in place. All of these matters are positive.

I ask that rather than being critical of what has happened, let us move forward on a positive note. Following the meeting with Oireachtas Members, I intend to invite in all of the stakeholders, as the Minister, Deputy Harney, did in the area of cancer. We can progress, evaluate and realise the valuable assets we have. I give the following specific commitment. What is raised in this area will go specifically and only into mental health.

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