Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 October 2022
209. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health the engagements that he has had with the Mental Health Commission on the proposed closure of the Owenacurra Centre, Midleton in either 2021 or 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50670/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Mental Health Commission is an independent statutory body established under the provisions of the Mental Health Act 2001. Under the Mental Health Act 2001, the Mental Health Commission is required to inspect and regulate all approved centres across the country at least once a year.
The Mental Health Commission in its recent inspection reports identified numerous risks associated with this centre.
The decision not to proceed with refurbishment of Owenacurra was made by HSE CHO 4, in consultation with HSE Estates. The Deputy will appreciate that as the HSE has statutory responsibility for the planning and delivery of health services, it would be inappropriate for me, as Minister, to become directly involved in this operational matter. However, since I was informed of the HSE decision to close Owenacurra, I have been liaising with them as appropriate to ensure all decisions and actions taken are made with the best interests of the residents in mind, both from a health and safety viewpoint and from the provision of appropriate treatments and supports.
On the broader front, Department of Health officials have regular Governance meetings with the Mental Health Commission to review relevant issues at a high level, including monitoring the issue raised in this instance.
I acknowledge that mental health services must evolve to ensure they are in line with international best practice and regulatory requirements. It is positive to note that there has been an overall improvement in Mental Health Commission compliance among approved mental health centres in recent years. However, I and the HSE recognise that further improvements are required generally in our approved centres to meet appropriate regulatory requirements. This objective is in line with the objectives of Sharing the Vision and the significant funding given to Mental Health over recent years, including under Budget 2023.
The Government and I value the role of the Mental Health Commission as an independent regulator and their commitment to promoting high standards and good practice in mental health services. We remain, in conjunction with the HSE, fully committed to the delivery of high-quality, person-centred, and recovery oriented mental health care. This needs to take account, as appropriate, of many factors including a balance between promoting high standards, operational requirements and identified service needs.
The Deputy can rest assured that I will continue to closely monitor, as appropriate, this issue.
