Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I second the amendment, which is also in my name. Like Senator Conway, I would like to hear the Minister of State, so I will not rabbit on. I wish to afford her an opportunity to deal with some of the points raised.

I thank my colleague, Senator McDowell, for setting the record straight, refreshing our memories - as Senator Bacik stated, it was a long time ago - and reminding us of his and the then Government's vision for the Thornton Hall project. Substantial public moneys were spent on Thornton Hall. The site has been acquired and is in State ownership. When I raised a number of questions with the then Minister for Justice and Equality, he indicated to me that it was his view that there was a requirement to retain Thornton Hall under the remit of his Department and that there were plans. As such, the Department has not agreed to relinquish these lands to the Land Development Agency or anyone else.

Sometimes, one must have courage. It was courageous to take on this project. As Senator Bacik mentioned, there was a recommendation in the McGuinness report to modify it. We now have a facility that has the capacity and potential to provide a place of detention. It should be utilised. It would be a travesty and waste if that asset was squandered and left abandoned. We should revisit this matter collectively, given our responsibility to the taxpayer. We also have a responsibility in terms of the detention of people in our prison system. If the facilities are not fit for purpose, we must do something about them. We have acquired the Thornton Hall site. There is a vision, there is a plan, although the plan may need to be modified or tweaked.I again thank the Minister of State. I have never doubted her absolute commitment in the area of mental health. Perhaps she will address two simple things. The Psychiatric Nurses Association has expressed and put on record its concerns over a proactive recruitment drive. It is suggested by the association that an additional 200 staff will be needed. We need to focus on that now because there is a long lead-in time to get people with the necessary expertise. The new hospital in Portrane is going to offer a whole new range of services, as the Minister of State has set out well. We need support, assistance and expertise on the ground for this facility.

The Minister of State might also address the issue of the cost to fit the place out. She has acknowledged in her contribution that there needs to be a fit-out and there is a cost involved here. Hopefully, we will have all this done in the next few months, but it would be an ambitious target to get this place up and running in three months, although it would be great if it happens. That is important.

I thank the Minister of State. I also thank Senator McDowell for setting out a comprehensive view of matters. He was involved in the decision about Thornton Hall. He was on the ground and clearly active in his portfolio as the then Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. We have all had the benefit of his views here today. I again thank the Minister of State for giving us her time.