Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Minister of State makes a very interesting point about the knock-on implications of this judgment. The judgment could be the catalyst for a complete change in capacity across the entire sector and the country. It is a massive issue for us. It is a real worry now that, because of the decision of the Mental Health Commission, there could be a reduction in acute care across the country.

On the issue of going to court, it is bizarre that two agencies of the State are taking the legal route. I would still hope that communications can continue between the HSE and the commission, so that they do not actually have to go to court to resolve the issue. There must be a meeting of minds in order that we might come up with a solution, if possible. The long-term issue of what is to be done with the unit in Bantry is still a worry for me. We have seen significant investment in Bantry. As the Minister of State said, it is a wonderful unit. We need to put a capital plan in place. Perhaps the Minister of State could elaborate, either today or at a later date, on how we can get money to invest in the campus.