9. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health the status of a new psychiatric unit at Cavan General Hospital; the timeframe within which it is expected to be delivered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4900/26]

Sentiment score: 0.01

I ask the Minister of State to give us an update on the status of the new acute mental health unit at Cavan hospital and, more importantly, the timeframe in which the unit will be completed and delivered.

Sentiment score: 0.38

I am a bit taken aback, to be quite honest. The Government and the HSE have given a commitment that there will be a new acute mental health unit - a psychiatric unit - on the grounds of Cavan hospital. Previously, a date of 2030 had been provided. I hoped that the Minister of State would be able to announce today that the preliminary processes had been advanced so that we could reach that. The Minister of State will know that previous Mental Health Commission reports in respect of this unit have been quite damning. That is no reflection on the staff within the ward who I am sure do a huge amount of work. However, this is a unit that is on the lower ground floor, which says all we need to know, essentially, about how mental health has been treated up to this point. I ask the Minister of State to ensure that greater clarity is given. Is this a priority or not? Can we be given an assurance that this unit will be delivered quickly?

Sentiment score: 0.28

I will explain what I do not understand. I have a letter from the HSE, dated last July, which states that the HSE capital plan includes this provision and that the HSE is looking at appointing the design team. Has that happened or not? Is the Minister of State saying that the last year has basically been wasted in terms of moving this project forward? Will there now be a new appraisal of whether this project enters the capital plan at all? Along with Senator Tully, I recently met the mother of a young man who spent time in this unit in Cavan hospital and tragically, very shortly after leaving, he died by suicide. It was a very tragic case. This woman has made it her life's mission to ensure that future young people get a better service than she feels her son did. She believes that a new acute mental health service at Cavan hospital - a stand-alone facility above ground level, which should not be too much to ask - must be delivered as quickly as possible. The Minister of State can cite all the other failures in other parts of the country, but I and the people of Cavan and Monaghan and beyond need to know whether this is a commitment and a priority. When will it actually be delivered?

Sentiment score: -0.08

Is it going to be delivered?

Sentiment score: 0.00

The Minister of State has not answered the question I asked.

Sentiment score: 0.00

It is an acute care unit that is needed.

Sentiment score: 0.49