Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

The Minister of State's reply is certainly welcome in terms of the construction timeframe. Will she also assure the House that, against the background of many other concerns Deputies have about existing service units, the new unit will be adequately staffed and resourced to meet the day-to-day needs of its cohort of residents and service users? Given that it will not be completed for another six or seven months, will she advise when the new unit will be put into service? What interim arrangements have been made in the north Dublin area following the decision to cease admissions to St. Ita's Hospital, Portrane? I have received many representations and expressions of concern on this matter, as has, I have no doubt, the Minister, Deputy James Reilly, who is a resident of the area and represents the Dublin North constituency. The wider population across north Dublin is concerned about local psychiatric services.

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