Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Conway for raising this issue and giving me the opportunity to outline the position. The Senator will appreciate that the Health Service Executive has statutory and operational responsibility for the planning and delivery of services at local level. The mid-west mental health services provide a range of adult mental health services within the specialties of general adult, psychiatry of old age and rehabilitation psychiatry as well as a forensic service. It encompasses various settings such as service user homes, acute inpatient facilities, day hospitals, day centres and supported community residences. The service, which is community based, has a focus on recovery principles in line with A Vision for Change.

The West Clare Mental Health Association is one of four mental health associations funded by the HSE in the Clare area. The HSE mid-west also funds a number of mental health associations in County Limerick and north Tipperary. The West Clare Mental Health Association provides valuable support and services to people with mental illness, including peer support, social interaction and self-care programmes. The HSE and Department value the role of the association and are extremely supportive of its work. I also acknowledge the excellent work of 103 local mental health associations and numerous other voluntary groups operating nationwide, which are engaged in a wide range of activities and services that promote mental health and support those with mental illness.

Until recently, the Avonree Centre was used to accommodate people with a mild to moderate intellectual disability. However, arising from health and safety concerns and other problems with the building, the Health Service Executive had to relocate residents to a more appropriate premises. I understand the HSE has carefully reviewed the proposal for the use of Avonree for west Clare peer support services. However, given the unsuitability of the premises arising from health and safety issues, it is not in a position to agree to the proposal. Substantial capital investment would be required to make the building safe and I regret that the funding required is not available to undertake this work. However, if at any stage another more suitable premises becomes available, the HSE will re-examine the request.