Michael McCarthy (Cork South West, Labour)
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528. To ask the Minister for Health the steps he has taken on foot of a whistleblowers report into a new psychiatric unit (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15726/15]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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The provision of this new mental health facility at Cork University Hospital (CUH) reflects in the most practical way the Government's real commitment to modernise mental health services in this country. As is the norm in the design, planning and delivery of major health capital projects, every effort is made by the HSE to fully address all relevant issues including operational and staffing requirements, health and safety, and integration with other existing, or planned, care services.

I am aware that difficulties have arisen in relation to opening this particular facility, and I have been closely monitoring developments with the HSE which has operational responsibility for providing services at local level. Arising from issues raised by a HSE employee in the existing mental health facility, I also note that the matter has been considered in some detail recently by the Labour Relations Commission, and that a further meeting is planned in this regard for the end of this month. The HSE has confirmed it's availability for further discussions. The Deputy will appreciate that I cannot comment on the individual case of a HSE employee where it relates to the terms of his employment. However, I wish to point out that this would not be considered as meeting the usual criteria around whistle-blowing.

The HSE has indicated that review mechanisms will be proposed to address any concerns outstanding in the light of operational experience with the new unit. Bearing in mind all the circumstances, I would therefore strongly urge that all stakeholders work together to ensure that this much needed new unit can be opened without any further delay, in the best interests of service users.