Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

She does not select Topical Issues, and the Deputy knows that. In fairness to her, she is not in the country today. She is representing the Government in Brussels. On her behalf I thank both Deputies for raising this issue. I understand the sensitivity of this matter in County Roscommon.

Addressing the generally accepted historical deficiencies in capital and non-capital aspects of our mental health services remains a priority for, I hope, every Government. This has been reflected in our programme for Government commitments, with some €70 million provided this year and last year for a range of new posts and other specific initiatives relating to mental health and suicide prevention. Notwithstanding progress on addressing the overall financial pressures still facing the country, and the demands being placed on all areas of our care system, the mental health budget increased this year from €711 million in 2012 to €733 million this year. The HSE service plan indicates that Galway-Roscommon local health office will receive in the region of €69 million for mental health services in 2013.

The Deputies will appreciate that the HSE has statutory and operational responsibility for the planning and delivery of services at local level, including in County Roscommon. Community and inpatient services are provided in Roscommon and are deemed to be a single entity in the context of the Galway-Roscommon local health office area. Services include outpatient clinics in various towns in County Roscommon, augmented by community mental health nurses who visit clients in their homes. Notwithstanding the challenges presented by the need to reform our health services overall, including mental health services, the objectives of change will be undertaken while maintaining safety and quality throughout all of our health services.

With regard to the acute psychiatric unit in Roscommon, the HSE has indicated that it has regular high activity levels due to the needs of clients and the nature and complexities of their illnesses. Unfortunately, there have been recent incidents at the inpatient unit, but these were not due to staffing shortages. At weekends the full complement of nursing staff and senior managers are on duty and a consultant psychiatrist and medical staff are available on call throughout the weekend. Patients who require treatment are assessed and evaluated by the nursing and medical team. This is normal practice. Over recent times there have been staff requirements and resignations, as mentioned by Deputy Naughten, and not all of the staff who left can be replaced owing to the moratorium on recruitment. As a result, staffing levels are reviewed on a daily basis and members of staff can be relocated according to the needs of the service. There have also been occasions on which staff are required urgently elsewhere and redeployment occurs.

In the context of the issue raised, the HSE is seeking to redeploy nurse management in Galway-Roscommon to provide enhanced management and leadership as required in mental health provision. The House can be assured that the Government is very focused on developing mental health services, not only in Counties Galway and Roscommon but nationwide, in line with A Vision for Change. The Department of Health will continue to liaise closely with the HSE on the specific issues raised.

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