Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I knew from the Deputy's question that he was talking about the Owenacurra approved centre in Midleton being closed. We have had many conversations about this issue and I have met the Deputy to discuss it. As he knows, the Owenacurra centre is a long-term residential centre with 19 residents but also accommodates a mental health day service.

As the Deputy will be aware, in March of this year - I do not have the exact date - the Mental Health Commission contacted the fire officer in Cork County Council to say it was concerned about a fire risk in the Owenacurra centre. Obviously, straight away the HSE would have to look at the challenges in that regard.

At the end of June, the HSE notified the Department of its decision to close Owenacurra by the end of October. The current building is not fit for purpose. The HSE carried out a report but the Deputy will be aware that it also commissioned two independent reports, which we have all seen. Many issues were raised with regard to fire safety and asbestos. Even though works commenced, the HSE informed us that no matter how much money was spent on the premises, it could not be brought to the standard needed.

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