Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)

The Minister of State spoke about a 40 bed community unit, an acute day hospital, a community mental health team, a 12 bed high support hostel and an eight bed respite centre. Where are these facilities? Construction of the acute hospital is under way but the other facilities are not in place. Today is the first day of spring but it will be next winter before we see them. People are worried because admissions will cease from the first of next month.

I cannot get over the change in the Minister of State since she was in Opposition. She has swallowed her Department's mantra hook, line and sinker. I ask her to deny she told the unfortunate users that the date was set in blood. I am disgusted to think she might have said that.

See this speech in context