Mental Health Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 May 2023

Tuesday, 9 May 2023

Questions (616)

Neasa Hourigan

Question:

616. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 596 of 25 April 2023, if he will provide details of any follow-up consultation that the Mental Health Commission may have had with residents who reported to the commission that they were happy to move from the Owenacurra Centre, Midleton and satisfied with their new placements; in particular, the number of follow-up consultations and the time that had elapsed since they had made this transition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21518/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The Mental Health Commission (MHC) is an independent statutory body, established under the Mental Health Act 2001.

The Commission’s principal functions are to promote, encourage, and foster the establishment and maintenance of high standards and good practices in the delivery of mental health services and to take all reasonable steps to protect the interests of persons detained in approved centres under the Act.

Department officials directed this query to the Mental Health Commission and the following is their response:

" Residents who moved to other approved centres, which the Inspector has inspected since their move, were invited to speak with Inspectors during the inspection. Residents advised the Inspector directly that they were happy with their move and were very complimentary of the service at their new residence”.