Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Deputy from my neighbouring county for raising this important matter. It is a key priority for the Minister of State, Deputy Butler, who, unfortunately, she cannot take this Topical Issue, and for the Government that people experiencing mental health difficulties receive the appropriate level of care they require in the most suitable location in the community that best meets their needs. Achieving this involves reform of mental health services and developing fit-for-purpose community services that meet people's needs into the future. This is supported by substantial investment in mental health services each year.

Erkina House is operated by the HSE as a fully staffed community mental health residence. The HSE has advised the Department that there are three remaining residents supported at this residence. Erkina House has provided much-needed mental health support to many people over two decades. However, it is not the type of mental health service we would build today and there are documented issues with the configuration of the building as a mental health service. The HSE has been actively engaging in working towards a solution that meets the long-term care needs of the service users remaining at the facility. The HSE have advised the Department of Health that Erkina House would be significantly non-compliant with forthcoming Mental Health Commission community residence standards and a significant level of investment would be required to develop Erkina House to achieve the additional regulatory standards required.

An independent review was commissioned by the chief officer in the HSE Midlands Louth Meath community healthcare organisation in 2022. The review was completed on the basis of a potential move of services to another location in County Offaly. This is no longer an option being considered by the HSE. The review strongly recommended that the views of residents on their future service provision be the focus of decision-making. This person-centred management model has been undertaken by the HSE which indicated that the remaining residents wish to move to other long-term care facilities in their community. The HSE has advised the Department that this property is not suitable for upgrade and adaptation and accordingly no new admissions will be undertaken. The HSE has provided assurance to the Department as to the service provision for the existing residents to properly meet their needs. I will not go over these details as the number of people involved is so small that they could be identifiable. The HSE aims to re-provide this service and provision for community-based high support which will be managed in existing alternative mental health residences located within the integrated healthcare area.

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