Mary White (Fianna Fail)

Not alone are the children open to risk but the nursing staff are not trained in treatment of children with psychiatric problems. I spoke earlier today with Mr. Hugh Kane, chief executive officer of the Mental Health Commission who told me he has appointed a senior Scottish psychiatric consultant to investigate the reason nine of the 13 children admitted to adult psychiatric units are from the Limerick area. The Scottish consultant's report will be completed within the month.

I also spoke recently to Mr. Martin Rogan, assistant national director of the Health Service Executive mental health directorate. He questioned the reason for this cluster in Limerick and expressed the concern that social deprivation may be the reason so many people in Limerick have mental health issues. The good news is that two new 50-bed units for children will shortly be opened in Galway and Cork. With the additional special dedicated beds in psychiatric hospitals in Dublin for children, progress will be made, but having the issue on the radar in this House was a driver and contributed to ensuring these new beds are available for children.