Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is a distressing case. I was shown some of the background to it by officials in the Department. It is obviously a very sensitive case and I do not want to dwell on it, nor does Deputy Thomas Byrne, but the gentleman in question has done the State some service for highlighting the difficulties he experienced in his case. The Deputy asked what happens when somebody presents to a hospital. The HSE mental health division has a clinical care programme which comes into effect when people present to the emergency department with suicidal ideation or self-harm. All level four hospitals have a liaison psychiatry service available on-site of the acute hospital. This service provides prompt assessments in the emergency department. In this case, the individual presented to the emergency department. I take on board the Deputy's concerns. I am new to the role and I am anxious to see for myself what is available on the ground. I thank the Deputy for highlighting its importance.

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