Minister Denis Naughten has sought a detailed statement from the HSE following last Friday’s meeting on the future of the mental health services in County Roscommon.
Speaking earlier Minister Denis Naughten said that while the meeting was “robust” and Mr. Tony Canavan, who heads up the local health services, was “left in no doubt about the local feelings with regard to the HSE actions”; there was agreement on a number of steps which would be taken by the mental health services locally.
“However, the statement issued on Friday evening by the HSE makes no reference to these commitments nor do the comments by Mr. Canavan carried in the local media,” stated Minister Naughten.
“This is extremely disappointing as we did get significant concessions at the meeting including a commitment that nobody will be forced out of their existing home. While there are no plans at present to change the mental health day services we also received a commitment that any proposed changes in the future will be presented to local TDs in advance of a decision.
“There were a number of other commitments given by Mr. Canavan on behalf of the HSE and I want these presented in writing for the public to see, because those using the service have a right to know exactly what is happening and how their rights are to be protected,” said Denis Naughten
“While I’m happy to have intervened to secure this meeting with Mr. Canavan, what is more important is to see actions to protect the rights of those using the services brought forward without delay.”