Seanad debates

Monday, 5 July 2021

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

 

10:30 am

Photo of Shane CassellsShane Cassells (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Last Thursday, the Mental Health Commission published its annual report. The main findings from that report made for some troubling reading. Its CEO, John Farrelly, noted the review carried out by Dr. Susan Finnerty. With regard to the number of people detained against their will at inpatient centres in 2020, there were 1,919 admissions or involuntary detentions. Some 32% of those were applications by An Garda Síochána, which is the largest such figure in the history of the State and quite worrying, given that it was during a pandemic and people in those circumstances needed help.

It noted that 41% of services did not develop comprehensive individual care plans which is another troubling statistic. Of course, there are ongoing issues with buildings. There has been significant investment in buildings for mental health services but 55% in terms of compliance, compared with other regulations, is a troubling statistic as well. This report was pertaining to the statistics from 2020. I note the work done by the Minister of State, Deputy Butler, since she came into this portfolio in the second half of last year. She has taken on the brief with gusto and is addressing a number of the issues raised in this report from 2020. It especially highlights the continued investment needed in this sphere.The Leader will share my concern about the fact a day patient service is not longer available in County Meath. An inpatient service is available at Crosslanes in Drogheda but only day care services are available in Our Lady's Hospital in Navan. I pay tribute to Dearbhla Ayres and all the mental health team who administer services across the midlands and the north east. There is a need for a debate on these particular statistics with the Minister of State, Deputy Butler, on the work she is doing and on the long-term strategy given the troubling statistics in terms of the role of An Garda Síochána and the need for the Minister to move forward the legislation before the summer recess.

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