Madam, – Minister of State with responsibility for mental health John Moloney has announced that some of the old psychiatric hospitals are to close within the next three years (Home News, March 1st). But for residents in St Joseph’s Service for the Intellectually Disabled in St Ita’s Hospital, Portrane it is frustrating that Knockamann, a new state-of-the-art facility for 60 residents was complete last year.
They have put up with being accommodated in what has rightfully been described as inappropriate accommodation for years. Now we have the disgraceful situation where they are asking almost daily why they cannot move into their new homes.
They can see them, they can walk around them, but as yet nobody can give them a reasonable answer as to why they cannot move into them.
This is totally unacceptable for the residents and this association. It is more than 11 years since Brian Cowen launched a new building programme for the residents. This beautiful new facility has now been lying empty for a number of months. It must be opened without further delay. – Yours, etc,