Thomas Gould (Cork North-Central, Sinn Fein)
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766. To ask the Minister for Health her views on the findings of the Mental Health Commission in regard to CUH; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37144/25]

Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The Mental Health Commission (MHC) plays an important, independent role in supporting and assisting in the development and improvement of mental health services. Regulations and standards play a vital role in ensuring that healthcare services are safe, of high quality, and negate risk. Under the Mental Health Act 2001, the MHC is required to register, inspect, and regulate all inpatient services across the country, with inspections taking place annually.

The Inspector of Mental Health Services found varying levels of compliance with the rules, regulations and codes of practice in his inspection of CUH mental health unit, which achieved a 61% compliance rating. As the Deputy will be aware, it is a matter for the HSE to address issues identified in inspection reports and to work collaboratively with the MHC who monitor this process. While I am pleased that there has been an overall improvement in regulatory compliance in recent years, it is clear that further improvement is needed. I will, with my Department, continue to work closely with both the Commission and the HSE to ensure that service improvement and patient safety is at the heart of a collaborative approach to the delivery of a modern and person-centred mental health service.

Mental health capital infrastructure improvements must continue to provide for a modern, accessible, safe environments for service users. Earlier this year, Minister Butler announced €31m in capital funding for mental health, the largest every annual investment in mental health infrastructure. In addition, the HSE are developing a 3-year prioritised Capital Plan to upgrade specific approved centres to meet evolving Mental Health Commission compliance requirements, focusing on five priority major projects. The HSE is also developing a longer term 10-year Capital plan for mental health. This will help determine priorities for improving facilities nationally to underpin implementation of our Models of Care and the type of infrastructure envisaged under our national mental health policy Sharing the Vision. The new mental health 10-year Capital Development Programme will focus on upgrading existing facilities, replacing inappropriate community facilities and the continued expansion of service.