Joe O'Reilly (Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister for his reply. I accept the statement he made in respect of the two earlier matters to the effect that he is limited in what he can say.

It appears there is a glimmer of hope for the people of Monaghan in that meetings are due to take place. Sanity may be about to prevail. I appeal to the Minister to inform the Minister for Health and Children that it is beyond belief that a facility of this nature remains unopened, merely on the grounds of staffing issues. This is particularly strange when one considers that staff who are highly competent in their areas of expertise are required to keep people in institutions where they should not be. It beggars belief. I ask the Minister to convey to the Minister for Health and Children that I am genuinely concerned about this, as are many people in the area. There is a glimmer of hope that perhaps sanity is about to prevail.