Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael)

As stated, I am taking this matter on behalf of the Minister of State with responsibility for mental health, Deputy Mary Butler. I thank Senator Goldsboro for raising this important matter. I assure the House that we understand the value of work being done in the Cluain centre. It is a good example of person-centred community-based care at its best, offering a pathway to greater independence and inclusion by ensuring that no one is left behind.

As I said in my opening statement, while the majority of funding comes from the disability budget, the Minister of State, Deputy Butler, is committed to ensuring the mental health budget also plays its part. She will be working to secure a service level agreement in the context of the upcoming Estimates process to make sure that the Cluain centre receives the sustainable multi-stream funding it needs. The Minister of State will also meet with the integrated health area manager for Tipperary next week in Clonmel and intends to raise the matter directly with them during the meeting. I assure the Senator that the Minister of State, Deputy Butler, fully supports the Cluain centre and is determined to secure the sustainable funding it needs to continue its vital work. I again thank Senator Goldsboro for raising this important issue today.