Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State. I support what my colleague, Senator O'Donnell, stated earlier about the extra beds that were to be provided at University Hospital Limerick. At present, I am dealing with three families that have members with various mental health issues. I am very concerned about one particular family.I know of an older mother who lives with a son or daughter who suffers from mental illness but she is very much in denial about the situation. It is hard to convince the family members to say there is an issue even though the neighbours are very involved and concerned about what is going on. We must explore ways to encourage people, especially family members, to say there are issues within the household and provide the family with support. Some support services have been provided in this case but the matter needs to be explored.

The shortage of beds in the University Hospital Limerick has been mentioned but I wish to commend the service provided by the hospital. I have had dealings with one family that had two members in and out of a unit in the hospital and I can confirm that the services and treatment that they received were second to none. I compliment the staff for providing such care because it is important to compliment them. I urge that extra resources and support are provided.