David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Ceann Comhairle's office for picking this matter this evening and allowing me to be here. We have a central Midleton mental health centre. It was built in the 1970s. It is called the Owenacurra mental health centre. It provides mental health services, continuing care, mental health care and respite for people in a vast area. Last June, a decision was taken to close the centre. Some 19 residents are currently in the centre. We were told there would be moves to find alternative accommodation for these people. There is also a day centre, which facilitates between 40 and 60 people per week. It is also used as a respite centre for two people every two weeks. That is a very important service to the people of east Cork.

I have two big issues. First, I want the HSE and the Minister of State to tell me what the long-term plans are to replace this service. I do not think there are any at present. That is crucial. People do not want to lose this hugely important service. The second issue concerns the 19 residents. I accept this centre is not fit for purpose and is of its time, but it is the home for these people. Would the Minister of State like to be told tomorrow that he will be transported to Enniskillen or Cavan, away from his friends and what he knows and is familiar to him? People in this centre can walk down town. They are known around the town. They can walk into the shops and churches and are comfortable in their surroundings. If any of us were moved to a strange place, it would be difficult, but if you have mental health challenges, it is even more difficult.

I am calling on the Minister of State to pause the closure of this centre. It will be done on a phased basis. I know there are problems in the centre and that the building is not fit for purpose, but there is no immediate danger to anybody. It is just next door to the Garda station. The fire station is only a couple of hundred yards away. There is no danger to anybody. I want a pause.

There has been some communication with families and residents this week, even though this was announced last June. Residents and families are anxious. They need clarity. The social interaction is hugely important. It has been said to me that you could not get a better service. It is a community. These people are part of the community.

I would also like the Mental Health Commission to have a look at this and ask what the impact on people is if they are moved from their homes to a strange place far away. We have no clarity as to where people will go. I accept the bona fides of the people in the HSE. They are doing their best and I want to be supportive of the work they are doing. They are faced with a huge challenge. I ask that they pause this for a number of months until we have a clear plan with respect to what the long-term service will be in that area. It is not acceptable this service be closed down with no place to reopen a similar service. We need to look after the residents.

We passed the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015, which means that people have a right to make their own decisions and that must be respected, regardless of their capacity. We need to bear that in mind. I ask the Minister of State to go back to the Minister of State, Deputy Butler, and ask her to ask the HSE to pause the closing of this. It is not ready and there is huge distress and upset in the area over this. The anxiety levels are high. These people have enduring mental health difficulties and it is wrong that this is happening at this time. There can be a better solution, which is what I want. I want time and space for that to be found.

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