Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for the question. The Government is firmly committed to developing all aspects of mental health services nationally. Both the Government and the Department of Health recognise the need for continued service improvement across the country.  The Mental Health Commission is the regulator for mental health services in Ireland and is entirely independent in its operation. As part of its work, the commission’s Inspector of Mental Health Services regularly inspects mental health facilities, including those operated by the HSE.  As part of the inspection process, the HSE and the inspector may agree on corrective actions to be taken to enable a facility to operate in line with regulations. Where such actions involve the conditions of facilities, the HSE estates department may be engaged to inform appropriate responses, in conjunction with senior community health organisation, CHO, management.  A decision might be made to undertake works to ensure they meet Mental Health Commission standards and regulations and are safe for both residents and staff.  For example, the department of psychiatry in St Luke’s Hospital Kilkenny has benefited from capital funding upgrades, and works to upgrade Galway CAMHS at Merlin Park will be completed in early 2022. On occasion, if a facility might be deemed a safety concern, a decision may be taken to close that facility. At all times, patient safety and dignity is a priority for the HSE.

Sharing the Vision recommends that capital investment should be made available to redesign or build mental health units in acute hospitals which create a therapeutic and recovery supportive environment.  In 2021, €15 million is available to the HSE for major capital works in mental health, including approved centres, and €13 million is available for minor capital works and refurbishments.  A national improvement project to develop and roll out a HSE ligature risk reduction policy and audit is also under way. This will meet Connecting for Life recommendations.

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