Niall Ó Donnghaile (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I begin by welcoming the Minister of State. Senator Bacik made an important point. Having a facility like this is important. I know that concerns have been raised with the Minister this morning and previously in the Dáil. Inasmuch as having a facility and resource is welcome and a step forward, we must be careful that we do not think for one second that it absolves the Prison Service of its responsibilities because not every mental health or psychological issue warrants a move to a facility like this. For this reason, a watching brief must be kept on the Prison Service regarding how it adapts, implements and enacts a very progressive, modern and patient-centred approach to those facing psychological and mental health challenges within the prison system.

Sinn Féin supports the Bill. I know my colleagues in the Dáil expressed their views on it to the Minister of State. I agree with Senator Conway that this is a significant site that has become available. There will be different views about how it should be utilised but certainly in the midst of a housing crisis, it would be useful to consider how we use and develop the site in a way that helps us address that crisis. Questions have also been raised here and earlier in the process about resourcing this new facility. Some of the concerns about how we do that have been flagged and I do not need to repeat them all this afternoon. I do not think any of the points raised by Senator McDowell take away from this but there are some very legitimate concerns about how this facility will be resourced. It has been a good debate thus far. It is important legislation. It is very technical in nature, as has been noted already, but it is certainly needed. We need to do our bit and ensure it gets through this House as well.