Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

The focus of my question was the need to enhance interdepartmental approaches. While I recognise that the bulk of this issue falls under the aegis of the Department of Health, we have made the point across the Chamber - it has been accepted by the Minister - that there is an onus on her to take the lead in ensuring best practice is followed. It should not simply be left to the Department of Health. It is very important that the Department of Children and Youth Affairs is a lead player in all of this.

Although it does not come directly within the Minister's remit, I draw her attention to the several capital works proposed in increasing the number of inpatient beds across the State for child and adolescent psychiatric care. I understand the current complement is made up by 12 beds in Dublin, 12 in Cork and 12 in Galway. It has been signalled that a further 16 beds will be commissioned in the course of this year, including a number in Cork and Galway. There is also work signalled at two sites in the greater Dublin area, at St. Vincent's Hospital, Fairview, and St. Loman's Hospital, Palmerstown. Does the Minister have an update on these developments? If work on either of them has commenced, what stage has it reached?

In regard to child and adolescent mental care services, I have pointed out on several occasions that north of a line running from Dublin to Galway, there is no inpatient care support available. Does the Minister agree that this is one of several areas in which there is potential for co-operation, including cross-Border co-operation, in the provision of services? There are several appropriate locations where such co-operation could be facilitated, not least in my constituency which has been very much to the fore in developing mental health services. Great credit must be given to those at the coalface in the provision of this care. We are strategically located in terms of co-operation and working together on a cross-Border basis. I appeal to the Minister to consider this in the context of meeting future needs.

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