Máire Devine (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Linn Dara is a modern unit and it is a shame to see it half empty. The 20 or more children on the waiting lists to all intents and purposes have been culled.

Ireland's overall suicide rate has stabilised in the past two years, but among young boys and young men it is increasing alarmingly. Our country shouts out in despair to remind us to look after, embrace and make sure our children are safe. This is what every parent wants to do and what every State should be doing for our children. The Minister of State, Deputy Helen McEntee, needs to be really proactive now. She has been told to re-employ the bank of retired nurses. I have spoken to retired nurses who have just left the health services and they are willing to come back and keep this unit open. Where is the bespoke recruitment campaign that was to happen for Linn Dara in particular? There are many things that can be done.

The Minister of State needs to understand how heavy a burden is placed on the medical teams when staff are told to find a bed by discharging a person right now. The burden is placed on a medic to tell a person that he or she is being prepared for discharge. The risk the medic is taking is enormous. That risk has to be taken by the Government and it should act now.