Violet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The latest CSO vital services report shows that County Clare recorded the highest suicide deaths by population size in Ireland last year. There were 25 deaths by suicide in Clare, which is the highest figure since records began. It has also come to my attention that there is currently a very important vacant post in the Ennis day centre, that being the psychologist. The previous psychologist was in that position for an extensive period but it was a planned retirement. It was known that he was going to retire and he has not been replaced as such. It is a massive concern to my constituents in Clare. It means they are only able to receive the services from the psychiatrist, which is a huge concern of mine. The Taoiseach mentioned that the ceiling and the pay and numbers strategy are not impacting recruitment. Is he able to explain why this post has been left vacant for this period? It is at least five weeks now. When will it be filled?

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