Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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138. To ask the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the mental health centre in Killarney, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3571/17]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The opening of Deer Lodge is a priority for me as Minister.

Significant funding of €1.15 million was allocated by Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People Helen McEntee to the HSE Community Healthcare Organisation Kerry/Cork to allow for the opening of Deer Lodge Mental Health Unit. This funding announcement was made in December.

Work is now underway on the recruitment of staff and on commissioning the building to allow for the opening of Deer Lodge as soon as possible.  Discussions with unions are also underway, and meetings took place as recently as last week.

The opening of Deer Lodge will provide for a modern, single room accommodation facility to replace the old O’Connor unit which is currently in use and of an inadequate standard. I am committed to ensuring that it opens as soon as possible.