Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank colleagues for their representations and take their point about the bed capacity issue in Tipperary. I take their word for it as they were at the recent public meeting. I got the message very loud and clear and I will bring it back to the Minister, Deputy Harris, and the Minister of State, Deputy Jim Daly, because it is very important we have a debate on money and services on the ground. It is a regular debate.

The 2018 mental health budget for south Tipperary is €20.12 million, and for north Tipperary €3.5 million. It is legitimate to ask what we are doing with our money and whether we are getting value for money with these developments, particularly in Tipperary. What I am told and what I see here is that a number of matters are being taken on board including the community mental health teams, the acute day services and day hospitals, the south Tipperary home-based services, the high-support services in Garryshane House in south Tipperary and the crisis respite house.

I believe that a permanent crisis respite house building will be developed in Clonmel on the Glenconnor Road, with planning resolved and approved. This has gone for tender and confirmation of funding received.

The other very important matter is that the Minister of State, Deputy Jim Daly, has committed to review the bed capacity in the Tipperary area.

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