Mental Health Services
Dail Éireann — 2025-12-09
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Mary Butler (FF), Waterford

I understand the strength of the Deputy's feelings. As I said, he has been advocating for Erkina House for many years and also for the residents who live there and who called it their forever home. I understand how difficult it is for residents who have lived in a facility that they will have to move away from for several reasons.
The Deputy has accepted that the building is no longer fit for purpose in the context of the provision of mental health supports. It no longer aligns with the mental health policy, Sharing the Vision, and HSE policies, including Time to Move on from Congregation Settings and Design for Mental Health Housing 2015 to 2017. However, I hear him loud and clear in relation to the facility. On many occasions, the HSE has moved out of facilities and they have been left unused. I am very much of the view that every option should be explored. I will make contact with the HSE in the region to see that all options are explored on the future use of the premises. I am conscious of the issues the Deputy raised in respect of the health centre.
My first priority is to the three residents at the facility in the context of making sure that they are moved on safely and securely and that they get the long-term residential care they need. My next priority is the 12 staff. This is a time of uncertainty for them. I will request that every effort be made to support the staff as they are relocated. Obviously, this can be a disruptive process for many people. I reiterate that I am happy to work with the Deputy to explore all options for the premises.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2025-12-09/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:26+00:00
Sitting date: 2025-12-09