Maura Hopkins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise a very important issue with regard to mental health services. Roscommon mental health services have been undergoing an external review of service provision since that review was commissioned back in August 2015. I have been working very closely with the Minister of State, Deputy Helen McEntee, who has been actively seeking updates with regard to the provision of this report in order to really examine the quality, structure, safety and governance of mental health services within the county.On 21 February 2017, I received a note from the HSE on the timing of this report. It stated that the lead investigator in the independent review into Roscommon mental health services had indicated the report would be delivered to the HSE in early March. I am really frustrated because we have been continually given updates and guidelines about the timing of this report. At this stage, it is important that we have a quality report and I understand there may be legal issues with regard to it. However, we have now been waiting for it since August 2015 and I am seeking a proper update about the timeframe with which this external report into mental health services will be provided. We need it. I understand it is likely that deficiencies and difficulties will arise as a result of this report. However, we need it to ensure that we have an improved service for the people who need to access it, who need certainty, support and structure and we need to make sure that our mental health services are delivered in the best possible way. We need this report as quickly as possible in order to deliver on this.