Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I think the Ceann Comhairle's analysis is accurate. Unfortunately, that was not a very reassuring response from the Minister of State. Rhetoric like Sharing the Vision around mental health services is utterly irrelevant when we are talking about a reduction from 18 beds to 11. Like the Ceann Comhairle said, these people will be moved somewhere else but facilities like Carraig Mór do not provide acute care. People will be moving from acute care for the wrong reasons, because the facility is not up to scratch. What is the plan? Does the Minister of State think the HSE should appeal this decision? On what grounds could it do so? What funding is there to improve the spaces for people in the services? The most important thing here is to move quickly, so it is incredibly disappointing that the relevant Minister of State is not actually here. A strong proposal from her could save these vital beds. If we want to take mental health seriously then these beds are needed. They must be retained and they must be up to scratch. The staff in Bantry hospital do incredible work, not only in mental health services but in essential healthcare for the region. This situation only increases local fears around the future of the hospital. The Minister of State's support, via going to the relevant Minister, would not only help save the service but would boost confidence in the continued role of Bantry hospital.

See this speech in context