David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I too think it is terrible that the Minister of State with responsibility for mental health is not here. I have raised this issue in the House on several occasions. A few weeks ago, on foot of the most recent report from the Mental Health Commission, I raised it during Questions on Promised Legislation. There were clear warnings, not just in the most recent report but in a series of reports from the commission, that there are serious problems in the psychiatric unit at University Hospital Waterford. It found that residents’ general health needs were not monitored and assessed in line with their appropriate and specific needs, that physical examinations were inadequate, that residents did not have access to a supply of appropriate emergency personnel and that the unit was not clean, hygienic and free from offensive odours. We have since found out that there are people sleeping on floors, there is overcrowding and patients are given a blanket or a chair. That is completely unacceptable.

The nurses are organising a protest on Friday outside the hospital. There is a real urgency to this issue yet the Minister with responsibility is not here. People are scandalised that this is happening time and again at that unit in the hospital. Patients are telling their stories and the Minister of State with responsibility does not see fit to show up to the Dáil to take this matter. I did not get any indication why he is not here. There may be good reason but given the seriousness of this issue, with psychiatric patients sleeping on floors, it is appalling.

See this speech in context