Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for coming to the House to discuss this matter. I ask for an update on a significant issue in Bantry at present relating to the mental health centre there, which is a very important part of the campus of Bantry General Hospital. A reduction of nearly 40% in beds in the acute wards is proposed. We are looking at a reduction from 18 to 11 beds. This is a very significant issue for the entire region. As the Minister of State is very much aware, given her west Cork roots, Bantry hospital is in the centre of the three peninsulas there. It covers a massive geographical area. The need for this acute unit to be fully operational is very much required. The proposal by the Mental Health Commission to reduce capacity from 18 to 11 beds, which is a 40% reduction, would have a major impact on the ability to have an appropriate mental health centre based in this part of west Cork. In many ways, it is a bizarre situation that there is a possibility that two arms of the State will go to court over this matter in the next few weeks. It is very unusual that the HSE could take the Mental Health Commission to the District Court to look for a stay of execution, if I can use that terminology, regarding this unit.

We need to see clarity on this issue. Will we have a scenario where, unfortunately, the HSE will go down the route of going to the District Court and engaging in a legal process with another arm of the State regarding the availability of acute mental beds in Bantry General Hospital? The long-term plan is also very important. What will be the long-term plan to deal with issues of personal space and the new model of care that is required? That is a major issue. Bantry General Hospital has seen significant developments over the past few years. The Taoiseach was there only a few weeks ago to open another unit. Significant sums, amounting to millions, have been spent there in capital investment. We now need to see a plan urgently put in place to cover this part of the campus.

I ask for clarity from the Minister of State regarding this part of the campus. What are the long-term plans for Bantry General Hospital in respect of the centre? We need to have 18 beds and appropriate personal space there. It is not appropriate that two arms of the State would go to court to fight over what should happen. There are a lot of questions. I hope I will get some answers from the Minister of State.