Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Victor Boyhan referred to the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dún Laoghaire. It is welcome that six beds have been opened. However, I do not have the answer the Senator requires. He has been prolific in raising the matter of the number of beds in the hospital, as has Senator Maura Hopkins. Senator Victor Boyhan has raised the issue 13 times. It warrants us posing the question as to why the other six beds are not being opened if money has been allocated and the Minister for Health and the Taoiseach are committed to opening them? The Senator attended the opening with them. It beggars belief that the HSE has not done what it was asked to do, but, as I said, I do not have the answer for the Senator that he requires. However, I commend him for raising the issue because it is important that the beds are opened.

I commend Senator Tony Lawlor for his very positive contribution on mental health. The Leas-Chathaoirleach ruled on the issue of wearing the t-shirt. It is a symbol that gives light and hope to people.