Alan Kelly
Question:390. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health when Jigsaw services will commence in Thurles, County Tipperary. [39416/20]
View answerThursday, 26 November 2020
Questions (390)
Written answers
Budget 2021 saw an additional €50 million allocated to HSE Mental Health services, thus bringing the total mental health budget to €1,076 billion. This reflects the Government’s continued commitment to developing all aspects of mental health care nationally.
Jigsaw currently has 12 sites nationwide, all of which provide appropriate intervention and supports for young people age 12 to 25, with mild to moderate mental health difficulties. Two new sites are scheduled to open in Wicklow and Tipperary in the near future.
I have engaged intensively at local level since my appointment to help develop various mental health services in Tipperary. In particular, I have liaised with local stakeholders, and with Jigsaw and the HSE, to progress the new Jigsaw service for the county.
Jigsaw has been, and remains, fully committed to open its new service for Tipperary as soon as possible. The challenge of locating a suitable premises has been significant, and has also been compounded by the Covid-19 pandemic, along with associated restrictions for a substantial proportion of this year. The focus for Jigsaw over recent times has been to secure a suitable and permanent premises in Thurles. This process is key to informing and firming up evolving timelines for this important project. The process for securing the new premises is near completion.
Jigsaw, in its search for a suitable building, operates against a clear set of criteria (including value for public money), and in line with all HSE and other procurement guidelines. The various options it has explored in Thurles have been assessed against such criteria. Other criteria were also considered in the selection process, including accessibility and parking.
I understand that Jigsaw recently advertised for staff for the new service. Jigsaw will have to undertake necessary minor adaptation works in its new premises. Staffing may include, for example, a Service Manager, Clinical Lead and relevant counselling or other health professionals, depending on the Skill-Mix requirements at local level. The new service will be based in Thurles, thus facilitating development of out-reach services in Clonmel and Nenagh, together with the use of new technologies to facilitate the widest possible service provision.
Jigsaw look forward to bringing this new service as soon as possible to the young people and the wider community in Tipperary.
The Deputy may rest assured that I will continue to liaise with Jigsaw and the HSE to progress this project, and that I will keep relevant local public representatives informed of developments.