Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

If we were to carry out the audit now, as the Deputy has suggested, one would find that Galway-Roscomon - which has always been considered as one administrative unit for mental health - would be well above what is recommended in A Vision for Change. We are not doing that now. We know what is there and what we need to deliver the service. Phase 1 provides for the closure of five beds in Ballinasloe and the opening of five beds in Galway University Hospital to be implemented by January 2014, phase 2 involves the closure of a further five beds in Ballinasloe and the opening of five beds in Galway University Hospital, to be completed by April 2014 and phase 3 will see the opening of a further five beds in Galway University Hospital, bringing the total number of beds there to 50, and the closure of Ballinasloe.

I was asked why I was doing this. It is because I believe the people in that area deserve an exceptional service, which exists in other areas of the country. I still do not understand how Deputies can stand up here and tell me that I am implementing A Vision for Change too slowly, yet when it comes to their particular area they do not want it done at all.

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