Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

In the information provided to Teachta Louise O'Reilly three weeks ago Dundalk primary care centre was not mentioned. In my opening statement I outlined the number of times that promises have been made, some of which date back to 2016, but others date back to 2008. The response today states:

Louth-Meath mental health services are currently looking at a new town centre location in Dundalk with a view to providing improved CAMHS to north Louth. The HSE is hopeful that this will come on-stream towards the end of this year.

There is no reference to a primary care centre. While that new facility will be welcome if it comes on-stream, it is not the primary care centre that is needed in the area.

As I said earlier, the Ladywell centre was built 70 years ago to accommodate nurses. It was never meant to be a place where people with mental health issues could be treated. The Leas-Cheann Comhairle was in the Chair when I raised issues earlier about answers from Ministers. I acknowledge that the Minister of State, Deputy Phelan, is standing in for the Minister of State, Deputy Daly, but this reply is entirely and absolutely inadequate. A consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist, five senior medical workers and two senior psychologist posts remain to be filled. That is the reality.

I do not want to be giving out to the Minister of State about the fact that citizens have to put up with this. We are dealing with elderly people who need psychiatric help. There is a lack of services for children who need such help. It is just out of order. If I may say so, when the Minister of State is asked to step into this position to give an answer, he should refuse to do so. It will not help the people of Louth. It certainly does not help me, but that is not the main issue. These people deserve services that they have been promised for decades but are still not getting.

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