Cathal Byrne (Fine Gael)

I begin by wishing the Minister of State the very best of luck in her new role. Mental health is one of the biggest issues that face this country. It is an enormous challenge. As somebody who represents Waterford, the Minister of State is more than aware of the issues in my home county of Wexford.

I specifically want to highlight a motion that was recently passed by the members of Wexford County Council, which called on the Minister of State to intervene and deliver in Wexford a ten-bed unit for local urgent need, integrated with Wexford General Hospital. At the moment any person suffering from a mental health issue with suicide on his or her mind is brought to the emergency department of Wexford General Hospital and, if required, transferred to Waterford. Unfortunately, for a county as large as Wexford and its population, it is unacceptable that people are transferred to Waterford.

I am aware of the work that is under way in Waterford and the work that the Minister of State is doing in her local area to increase and improve the facilities that are available there. The people of Wexford need a small, designated ten-bed unit that is co-located with Wexford General Hospital to be provided. I am aware that the outgoing CEO of the HSE does not favour this proposal but someone new will take up his position. I urge the Minister of State to get involved in her neighbouring county. We are not looking for a large-scale unit like the one in Waterford. We are seeking a small ten-bed unit for urgent need because a mental health issue is not something that just happens between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. from Monday to Friday. We need 24-hour access.