Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I want to ask about mental health services in Tipperary, particularly in the south of the county. As a result of the closure of St. Michael's psychiatric unit a few years ago and the so-called A Vision for Change policy, we do not have even one long-stay bed in Tipperary for patients. There is no room in Kilkenny, Ennis or Limerick. There is an apartheid situation prevailing in terms of Tipperary patients having to go to Limerick if their addresses do not meet the criteria. This is totally unacceptable to the people of south Tipperary. We have significant issues, with many suicides and cases of self-harm.

There are substantial complex issues developing because we do not have any treatment centres. I see the Minister of State, Deputy Daly, is here. I know he is doing his best but it has gone beyond the time for talking. we need the crisis house built and developed and we need St. Michael's in Clonmel reopened.

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