Phil Prendergast (Labour)

The Minister of State claims this is not a downgrading. Taking 49 beds out of the bed compliment of a general hospital means it attracts a different branding grade and is in effect a downgrading. There is a regional configuration to Kilkenny's advantage. There were no discussions with the clinicians, nursing staff or stakeholders involved prior to it being announced at an ordinary meeting three days before the national announcement.

When the Minister of State was Chairman of the Joint Committee on Health and Children, he stated that any moneys realised by the sale of hospital lands should be red-circled for reinvestment in community mental health services. While the moneys, however, have been realised, they have not been reinvested in community services. A community service for south Tipperary means it is in the area. Kilkenny is not our community. Land is available on the campus of South Tipperary General Hospital. Why can a new build for St. Michael's not be accommodated on that land?

Brendan Drumm, chief executive officer of the HSE, publicly met with senior managers of south Tipperary mental health services in January 2009 and confirmed his commitment to the development of its programme as set out in its service plan for 2009 to 2010. He also commented that the type of transformation under way in south Tipperary is being replicated across mental health services in Ireland. To support this work, he stated the HSE has implemented a new national initiative where funding from the sale of mental health services' lands and properties would be set aside in a protected fund to support the development of community-based services.