Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)

While I have stated publicly that the Minister of State has a strong commitment to the issue of mental health and the implementation of the strategy of A Vision for Change, what clearly is needed now is action beyond the words and commitment. It is beginning to become evident there already has been a downgrading of psychiatric services. While we welcome the ring-fencing of a sum of €35 million in this respect, the closure of the two ten bed units in Teach Aisling and the other facility in Ballina, County Mayo is an indication that the reverse of what A Vision for Change is about is happening.

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