Liam Quaide (Cork East, Social Democrats)
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148. To ask the Minister for Health how a proposed 50-bedroom mental health facility on the grounds of Saint Stephen's hospital, Glanmire, is compliant with the UNCRPD; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24174/25]

Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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Both Government and HSE acknowledge the importance of ensuring that all mental health services align with national policy and international human rights frameworks. Sharing the Vision, our national mental health policy, emphasises a recovery-oriented, person-centred approach that prioritises community-based care, social inclusion, and the protection of human rights. This is in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).

While the policy promotes the delivery of mental health services in the least restrictive and most integrated settings possible, it also recognises that specialist residential care remains necessary for individuals with complex needs who require intensive, multidisciplinary support. The planned €64 million centralised residential mental health service at St. Stephen’s Hospital, Glanmire, will be designed to complement and enhance existing community-based services, ensuring that individuals receive the appropriate level of care while maintaining strong links with their local communities. For those who need it, this will be a really essential mental health service.

Additionally, Sharing the Vision highlights the need for mental health services to be embedded within broader health and social care systems. The development at St. Stephen’s Hospital will align with this approach by incorporating modern, recovery-focused facilities that support individualised care plans, facilitate transition to community living where possible, and uphold the dignity and autonomy of service users.

The HSE remains committed to the principles of Sharing the Vision and will continue to work towards a balanced system that ensures both high-quality residential care and strengthened community services, in line with best practices and human rights obligations.