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

I differ with the Deputy's view that this is not an increase in capacity. I accept that the ten CAMHS beds may not be an increase in capacity but the other 30 ICRU beds in that unit are intended to get people out of the system. We are not just building a prison; we are building a hospital that is transformative, where there is care and from where people will progress. That is why there will be an ICRU. That is a progressive step and it will be ideally suited to many of the patients currently in the Central Mental Hospital in Dundrum. That is, therefore, an increase in capacity. We have 160 beds, so we will be going from 92 to 160. I agree with the Deputy in respect of the prison population and the lack of opportunities for them. That is especially the case with rehabilitation to improve their well-being and move them on from the system. That is very much the focus. An ICRU is a first for Ireland. It is a progressive development and one to be acknowledged by all.

See this speech in context