Frank Feighan (Fine Gael)

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Tim O'Malley, and look forward to a favourable reply to this matter. Will he explain why Roscommon psychiatric foster care service is not receiving the necessary funding and support to continue the valued community-based facility? I am sure the Minister of State has become aware of many of these facilities over the years.

Those who provide this service in the old Western Health Board area in County Roscommon are not getting the recognition they deserve. Over the years, people in psychiatric care have been sent out to the foster care service and at a time when there was less money in the country, those who provided the service, effectively, bailed out the health service. This was not a simple job and they cared for and fed and clothed people in their own home. They became part of the family.

Those who provided the service put so much effort into extending their homes to ensure they reached a certain high standard. These people are now being cast aside despite the investment they made in terms of time, energy and finance over the years and the wonderful service they provided. I believe there is nearly a turf war in the health service and these people are being forgotten.

It is unfortunate that I must raise this awkward and critical situation. However, this service was the way forward even though I know there is a new vision for psychiatric care. We cannot forget about these people who, during tough times, bailed out various Governments, health boards and, more importantly, the psychiatric services. We, and this Government, should not forget the sacrifice made and the work done by these people. Again, I thank the Minister of State for coming to the House and look forward to his reply. I want to ensure these people are not forgotten.