Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputies for raising this important matter. As they have outlined, the Mental Health Commission has made the decision to put a restriction on the registration of the Centre for Mental Health Care and Recovery in Bantry General Hospital, given its concerns over the size of residents’ bedrooms in the centre. This decision would mean the centre's total number of registered beds would reduce from 18 to 11. The centre, which is located on the grounds of Bantry General Hospital, provides residents with acute care, rehabilitation and recovery supports for their mental health difficulties. It serves the local west Cork area, including areas around Skibbereen, Clonakilty and Bantry.

The HSE is currently examining all options available to it in light of this decision and is in dialogue with the Mental Health Commission as part of the regulatory process. The Minister of State, Deputy Butler, has requested a detailed report from the HSE on the matter, which is expected shortly and following the HSE's options appraisal. The Minister of State would like to assure the Deputies that she will continue to liaise with the HSE to ensure all decisions and actions taken regarding the centre are made with the best interests of the residents in mind, both from a health and safety viewpoint and with regard to the provision of appropriate treatments.

Mental health remains a key priority for the Government and we are fully committed to the delivery of high-quality, person-centred, recovery-oriented mental health services. Our long-term strategic aim for our mental health services is to provide a consistent, high-quality service for anyone in need of support for their mental health. Mental health residences, such as the centre in Bantry, provide an important step-down service for people with mental health difficulties, enabling their rehabilitation and recovery and assisting them to move towards independent community living accommodation. This aim is supported by our national policies, Sharing the Vision and Sláintecare.

It is our responsibility to ensure the provision of high-quality mental health services that are fit for purpose. The Government acknowledges that mental health services must constantly evolve and develop to ensure they are in line with international best practice and regulatory requirements. It is positive to note that there has been an overall improvement in compliance among approved mental health centres in recent years. However, it is recognised that further improvements are required to ensure mental health centres continue to meet the appropriate regulatory requirements. The Government continues to invest in mental health centres through capital planning. Some €14 million has been allocated to mental health services in 2022 and a further €6 million has been allocated through minor works capital. The Minister for Health has assured us that additional funding will be sought in 2023 to continue to improve premises.

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