Brendan Ryan (Labour)

Yesterday's report from the Mental Health Commission made a recommendation that no further admissions be made to three institutions after next February. This is a serious matter. I welcome the report. One of the institutions is St. Ita's in Portrane. I grew up in Portrane and many of my social activities as a young man took place around the hospital in terms of playing sports, socialising and dancing within the hospital and with the community there. We were on first name terms with many of the inmates. I have a great attachment to Portrane.

Deputy Moloney is a very convincing Minister. His brief is this area and I do not doubt his commitment to it. Last week I visited Portrane with the Minister with regard to inching forward the opening of a unit there for intellectual disability, even though it was ready last September. However, we are getting closer to it and I respect his position. The Mental Health Commission recommendation will bring the matter to a head, and for that reason I welcome it. There will be no further admissions after next February. However, what about the people who are currently there? What about the inmates who will continue to be there after next February? What will happen to them? They will remain there and continue to suffer. Many of the reports use the phrase "inappropriate conditions", but "inappropriate" is not an adjective that conveys the real problem. "Disgraceful" is the adjective that should be used, and everybody should be aware of that. For the people working there, Portrane has been allowed to become run down over many years. Several Governments of different shades have been involved in this.

Deputy Moloney must be given every resource and support to accelerate the solution to this problem, including for the people who are in the institution and will be there after February.