Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Deputy for raising this matter. As he will be aware, operational responsibility for the delivery of mental health services at local level is devolved directly to the relevant HSE regional health area, RHA, which in this case is the HSE South West RHA, and across all areas. I am aware, of course, that the HSE always aims to work in partnership with all relevant stakeholders in the community in the design and delivery of mental health services to achieve positive outcomes for all.

In relation to the issue highlighted by the Deputy, the HSE has provided an update that there was a requirement to identify a more suitable location for the National Ambulance Service in the region - and we all understand how important the National Ambulance Service is, especially in remote and rural areas - to better support its operational needs and enhance service delivery for people in the region. A potential space has been identified by the HSE alongside the mental health services in Cahersiveen. We must again go back to the point that it is extremely important that we can provide the whole continuum of health supports as close to home for people as possible.

The HSE has informed my Department that there are no plans to relocate the mental health services at Cahersiveen to Killorglin. I am a little confused, though. Is the Deputy telling me he only represents the people of Cahersiveen and not the people of Killorglin? It is important to have mental health supports everywhere. I understand clarity on this matter is currently being addressed, with a senior HSE manager actively engaging with all relevant stakeholders to facilitate accommodation that meets the needs of both services. It is important we deliver both services.

As the Deputy can appreciate, having a suitable location for the National Ambulance Service to be able to serve the people of Cahersiveen and the surrounding area is incredibly important, and it is my understanding this is being achieved without any changes to the location of community mental health services. From what I am hearing, though, I am also conscious that the services are in Cahersiveen and Killorglin is not served by this service. Perhaps this is something I need to look at. I want to deliver mental health services for all people regardless of what area of County Kerry they live in. The Deputy seems to be focused on just one area.

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