Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senators for contributing to today’s debate and their interest in this important legislation. It is heartening to see the strong Oireachtas tradition of working together on matters of mental health endures across both Houses. This is never more important than when those affected are some of the most vulnerable people in our mental health and judicial systems.

For a long time now, the Central Mental Hospital in Dundrum has been unfit for purpose. While efforts have been made to refurbish and maintain the buildings, the permanent solution can only be a move to the new, purpose-built campus. Moving to a premises that is fit for purpose will make a huge difference to the welfare of those who are being treated in the hospital, both in practical terms and in quality of care. More broadly, it will allow for a world-class service to be provided by skilled staff to those with the most complex mental health needs. The service will be delivered to the highest international standards of quality and excellence and to greater numbers.

I recently visited both the current and future Central Mental Hospital, and I am hugely impressed and optimistic for the future of forensic mental health services in this country, notwithstanding all the comments that were made here today, which I take on board.I thank the people who helped to bring forward this legislation, including the HSE and the Mental Health Commission, and the Seanad Office for its support in scheduling the Bill in a timely way. I thank the officials in the Departments of Health and Justice for their hard work on the legislation. In particular, I thank Lynn Sullivan and Evelyn Robinson of the Office of the Attorney General for their contribution over recent months, and Ms Orla Kenneally, sitting beside me in the Chamber, who has steered me through this for the past few weeks.

The mental health programme of work continues to be busy and has become more so during this pandemic. The effects of the pandemic on mental health are significant and will last for some time to come. I thank all Senators for their interest in, and commitment to, working with me on mental health matter and look forward to continued engagement and collaboration with them on these issues. I have been in this House many times over the past five to six months. I thank all Senators for the respect I am always afforded when I come to the House and for the constructive debate that always ensues. It is great on a Monday afternoon to hear such interest in the Central Mental Hospital and I am delighted it is the first legislation I have successfully passed since being appointed Minister of State on 1 July.