Nicky McFadden (Fine Gael)

It is heartwarming to hear Senators Mary White and Fitzgerald speak to defend the most vulnerable in our society. This is a cross-party matter because we all believe that children and young people have a fundamental human right to be protected. Yesterday we had a good strong debate about the relevance of this House but let us ask for political and ministerial accountability in respect of mental health services for children. The Constitution states that we will cherish children so why are there 247 children in adult hospitals which are archaic, antiquated Victorian buildings where paint is peeling and there is mould on the walls? They are there with severely incapacitated, elderly, acute psychiatric patients. This is morally wrong. We have the fifth highest rate of suicide in the 15-25 age group in Europe. Our very poor service for young people is probably a contributory factor to this statistic.

The Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, Deputy Moloney, is doing a tour of these antiquated buildings, some of which he proposes to sell. Will the Leader invite him to the House to tell Members how he will ring-fence the money from the sale of these buildings to care for these 247 children and put them into a suitable caring environment in which they can recover?