Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. Any report of patients being treated in a manner where the standards are not up to an acceptable level is of acute concern to the Government. Certain authorities have responsibility for investigating levels of care. I know the authorities have shown no unwillingness to address failings by the HSE or others. If the Deputy has concerns, they should be brought to the attention of HIQA and other bodies that can intervene. I will ensure that the script the Deputy has provided to the Dáil is brought to their attention.

There is an overall mental health budget. The Government has been determined to try to bring mental health out of the dark corner it was in. Each year, in good years and bad, Ministers have made provision to expand mental health services. This has involved new staff being provided and new centres being provided. We are seeing a consistent rise in the number of young people and adults who are being provided with care in mental health services.

There is a change in the approach, with an increasing emphasis on treatment of persons with mental health issues in the community using the normal accident and emergency services and facilities within the community rather than the old hospital settings. That transition obviously creates difficulties. There is a danger that some of these changes can have bad effects on individuals. It is important that, as we expand these budgets, ensure that we reach more people and bring these services into a wider community setting, we do not lose or leave anyone behind.

Unfortunately, I cannot give a detailed response to the specific condition in Clonmel to which the Deputy refers. I do not have briefing on the matter, but I assure the Deputy that I will bring the Deputy's concern in this area to the attention of the Minister for Health, Deputy Harris. I assure the Deputy that, from the Government's point of view, mental health and the development of our mental health services are high priorities. We believe we are making significant progress, albeit needs are expanding rapidly as well. As we all know, increasingly stressful and pressurised problems are emerging, especially among young adolescent men. I will bring the issue to the attention of the Minister, Deputy Harris. I hope he can provide the Deputy with a fuller response.

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