Paul Connaughton (Galway East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I mean no disrespect to the Minister of State when I say the Topical Issues debate becomes a farce if one Minister of State arrives into the Chamber and proceeds to read out four scripts. I received the answer he has just read from the HSE one week ago. I asked a series of questions on the cost of the fire safety works, the identities of the individuals being appointed to the review board and the terms of reference of the board. I want the relevant Ministers to take a hands on approach because we cannot spend €1.4 million in upgrading this facility only to review it two years later. This will feed into a review of all services in counties Galway and Roscommon. It has become a bigger issue. The people of these counties deserve to know what the review will entail. If a decision was taken two years ago to invest in this facility, it behoves us to find a long-term solution. I still do not know how much money has been spent on Toghermore House or when it is going to take in new patients.

I acknowledge this issue is not part of the portfolio for the Minister of State, but reading almost word for word a script I have already received from the HSE is not an acceptable way to do our business. If he does nothing else, I implore him to bring the message to the Minister, Deputy James Reilly, and the Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, that we will not accept a downgrading of the facility in Toghermore House in the light of the investment made. We must provide the level of care the individuals concerned and their families deserve. It is not sufficient to consult them. They need to be told where their loved ones will be staying for the next few years. It is time for the Minister and the Minister of State to take a hands on approach to securing Toghermore House for the future.

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