Dáil debates

Wednesday, 8 July 2020

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions

 

12:20 pm

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising what is a serious issue, namely, mental health services in general, but specifically mental health services in Clonmel and the rest of Tipperary. There are two dimensions to mental health services. One is obviously physical facilities. I refer to acute capacity — in other words, acute beds — in particular facilities. The south east in general, including Tipperary, has been short of acute capacity in mental health services for quite some time.

The other aspect is securing the necessary personnel or staff to provide the services once a facility is available. It seems to me, having worked in the area and having engaged with previous Ministers and the HSE, that there has been a significant challenge in recruiting and securing qualified personnel. I welcome that the Deputy has already engaged with the Minister of State, Deputy Mary Butler, on this. I have no doubt she will respond diligently to the points he and his colleagues in Tipperary have made.

With regard to St. Michael's, the Deputy has said physical improvements have been made. We will have to ensure we can get the right personnel in place and recruit the professionals. In addition, we must work with non-governmental organisations, NGOs, some of which the Deputy has described. These can help in providing services to people who have been on waiting lists for far too long trying to gain access to very basic mental health services.

I am particularly conscious that Covid-19 will create additional burdens in terms of mental health need. Many will be impacted so we must improve our services to respond to this. I have heard what the Deputy has had to say. I believe he and Deputy Cahill are meeting the Minister of State. I will certainly work with the Minister of State to determine what we can do specifically to try to improve circumstances in Tipperary.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.