Ruairí Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)

It is vital that we have information about the people we have here and the level of need. We all understand the issues, be they housing or disability. It makes sense that the means of acquiring this information be streamlined so I hope this happens perfectly. Sometimes we must deal with legacy issues involving funding. This is an issue in Louth, where I am from, particularly with regard to the HSE, and the Minister of State's bailiwick of mental health. We have lower bed provision in Louth and Meath than is the case across this State. We need to see movement on the promised ten-bed extension in the department of psychiatry in Drogheda. I welcome the interaction with the Minister of State as regards the Mental Health Bill. We have dealt comprehensively with the issues as regards ensuring people can be admitted to be treated and can get the treatment that is necessary. I have seen where we did not have room in the department of psychiatry in Drogheda. I will not go into any detail but I have heard of someone who was put in a facility in Dublin awaiting space. The space did not open and the patient was released before a proper aftercare plan was produced. We have a very specific issue. It is about having the information, dealing with it and those legacy issues and ensuring we cover all the bases.

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