Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

I assure the Deputy that any applications that come for funding are not treated as box-ticking exercises. Ensuring the correct corporate and clinical governance is in place is particularly important for any organisation that will potentially be providing talk therapies on behalf of the HSE.

The most appropriate avenue for the application for funding is through the section 39 process administered by regional HSE mental health services management. That is how it works throughout the country. Through this process, it can be determined whether the necessary criteria are fulfilled and what service need exists. I am glad that the HSE is already engaging with the centre. I expect that the engagement will continue as the committee progresses the restructuring of the governance of the service. I accept that such processes and applications can take time and I recognise the challenges faced by the Loreto Centre Crumlin and the good work that is undertaken there. However, these steps are essential and the HSE is not in a position to provide funding in the absence of certainty as to the legal status, the clinical governance arrangements and the financial sustainability of the organisation. The HSE is available, however, should any guidance on the necessary work be needed. I encourage the Loreto Centre Crumlin to continue to engage with the HSE locally on this matter. My Department and I will continue to liaise with the Deputy. I can arrange to pay a visit to see the good work that is undertaken there to see if we move this on.

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