Sinn Féin TD for Kerry, Martin Ferris, has raised the lack of resources provided to mental health facilities in Kerry.
Speaking in the Dáil, under Order of Business, Deputy Ferris raised with the Taoiseach the lack of residential places for adolescents teens and adults suffering with mental health problems.
Two Units Lie Empty
“In 2015 a 40 bed, long stay rehabilitation unit at Deer Lodge, Killarney was completed. In 2014 a four bed high observation unit was completed in University Hospital Kerry. To this day those two units lie empty and the reason I am told that these lie empty is a lack of staff to run them,” said Deputy Ferris.
“For further information, 16 children from Kerry have been admitted to the mental health unit at University Hospital Kerry because there are no adolescent or teenage places available.
A National Disgrace
“This, Taoiseach is a national disgrace. When are you and your government going to provide funding for these two units.”
Deputy Ferris said later that families affected are distraught at the lack of places for their loved ones.
“Current facilities and resources have been totally inappropriate for many years and Kerry families deserve proper treatment by the government and the HSE,” he said.
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