Maura Hopkins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for taking this Commencement matter.

I am extremely angry with the HSE because it has not been truthful and honest with the people of Roscommon. I say that because information was given to me and to other public representatives, both verbally and in writing, regarding the potential closure of mental health day centres and hostels in County Roscommon. The people who use mental health services within the county deserve to have facts and honesty but we do not have either at the moment.

I have listened to a wide range of individuals over the past number of weeks who are involved in mental health services in County Roscommon. All of these people are very clear and definite in their view that the HSE is publicly stating a message that is very different to what is being implemented on the ground. The statements are not matching up and I am very concerned. It is very important that we get facts and honesty.

To put this in context, I have spoken at length with the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Helen McEntee, and the chief health officer of community services covering County Roscommon. I was advised that the HSE has no active plans to close the various day centres and hostels referenced, namely, those at Ballaghaderreen, Boyle, Strokestown, Castlerea and Athleague. I was also informed that the HSE has no plans to close the community nursing unit in Aras Naomh Chaolain or to relocate residents to private nursing homes. I was advised that the HSE is currently consulting with residents, families and staff on the transfer of a small number of residents from Knockroe House in Castlerea to more appropriate settings.

This information was provided by the HSE to me and to other public representatives in writing. However, the minutes of recent HSE meetings suggest something very different. They suggest that Strokestown, Ballaghaderreen and Boyle day care centres could close over the next 12 to 18 months and be amalgamated with other centres. These minutes indicate that as part of its proposals, the HSE is to reduce the number of day centres from five to one or two, to be located in north and mid-Roscommon. The minutes also indicate that the HSE has established a group of senior staff to oversee the transition plan for day and training centres in the county.

The HSE confirmed on Monday morning last that it is currently exploring the reconfiguration of existing day centres. It added that if it is identified that day centres are no longer required, staff will be redeployed to strengthen other day centres. I emphasise again that I have been in contact with the chief health officer of community services, including mental health services, in County Roscommon several times over the past number of weeks and never once during those conversations was I told that plans were in train regarding potential closures and the amalgamation of mental health services. Quite frankly, it is absolutely appalling that the HSE would mislead us so blatantly. I am not willing to accept this type of conduct from this organisation, or any other organisation for that matter. People using mental health services and their families deserve the truth and the facts.

Finally, we know that an external review of mental health services in County Roscommon is currently under way. That review was commissioned last year and is really important that it is made available as quickly as possible. The review should assist in terms of identifying the challenges throughout the county. It should also serve to assist us in making improvements. Any improvements, however, must be made in consultation with the people using the mental health services and their families. I ask that the truth and the facts are given to us.