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

The Deputy has raised an important issue. The Mental Health Commission is there to make sure proper standards are applied across the mental health arena. On the registration of the mental health care and recovery approved centre in Bantry, the commission made a recommendation or decision that should be reduced from a total number of registered beds from 18 to 11 due to its concerns over the size of residents' bedrooms in the centre. The Minister of State, Deputy Butler, has requested a detailed report from the HSE on the matter. The HSE is currently examining all options available to it. It is in dialogue with the commission as part of the regulatory process and again, we have to work with the best interests of the residents in mind from a health and safety viewpoint but also for the provision of appropriate treatments. I will ask that there be further engagement and talk to the Minister in that regard.

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