Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 41: To ask the Minister for Health the measures being put in place to enhance mental health inpatient services in Dublin in view of the closure of inpatient facilities at St. Ita's, Portrane, County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26383/11]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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The acute male and female units at St Ita's Hospital, Portrane closed by 18 September, 2011, in line with the condition attached to the registration of St Ita's, by the Mental Health Commission. Patients have transferred temporarily to St Vincent's Hospital, Fairview and Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown, or other more appropriate services depending on their individual care plans. Inpatient admissions for the North Dublin Mental Health Service have also temporarily transferred to St Vincent's and Connolly Hospitals.

The HSE proposes to refurbish the existing admissions unit at St. Ita's and work is scheduled to be completed by 31 January, 2012. When complete, and subject to the approval of the Mental Health Commission, the temporary units will revert to St. Ita's Hospital, pending completion of a new purpose built, acute in-patient psychiatric facility for North Dublin. This new unit is currently being developed at Beaumont Hospital and planning permission has been approved, contracts are signed and construction work is due to commence shortly. This new unit is expected to be fitted out and ready for occupancy in early 2013.