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

Last June it was announced that the Owenacurra mental health centre in Midleton was to close on 31 October last. That has not happened. It seems there is no suitable place for the residents to move to. Obviously, this has caused a lot of angst, uncertainty and worry among residents and their families. There also seems to be an issue with the future policy on the mental health residential centres across the country as to whether they are to be kept in existence. I acknowledge the role the Minister of State, Deputy Butler, has played in this and the support she has given, but at this stage the residents and their families on the committee need certainty. What will happen with the site? Will it be built on? Will it be residential? The HSE is doing its best, but the matter has dragged on and on and certainty is required soon.

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