Mary Butler

I am trying to count to five here because, as I reiterated, only two children across the whole country were admitted to adult wards last year. Two 17-year-olds were admitted, with the consent of their parents, for their own safety. There are no children being admitted to the department of psychiatry at University Hospital Waterford. That is the first thing I want to put on the record. Second, when…

I move: Tuesday's business shall be: - Motion re Appointment of Ordinary Member of the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission (without debate and any division claimed to be taken immediately) - Public Health (Single-Use Vapes) Bill 2025 (Second Stage, resumed) (to adjourn after 2 hours and 4 minutes) Tuesday's private members' business shall be the Motion re Mercosur Trade Agreement, selected by …

I note the various proposals from the Opposition Whips. Any time there is an announcement about special classes for children with additional needs, that should be welcomed regardless of who announces it. It is important, and I want to compliment both Ministers on all of the work they have done in regard to special classes. I have noted all observations. We have a busy schedule for the week. I wil…

I move: That Dáil Éireann, in accordance with section 8(3)(a) of the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission Act 2003, as amended, appoints Deputy Brian Brennan to be an ordinary member of the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission in place of Deputy Frank Feighan who has resigned his office in accordance with the aforementioned section 8.

I am delighted to be here this evening to note the publication of the pre-legislative scrutiny report in respect of the Bill. This is the last item of business for 2025 and I believe it is an extremely important one to discuss. I thank the Cathaoirleach of the Joint Committee on Health, Deputy Rice, and commend him on his commitment and passion on this issue. I compliment committee members and com…

I thank all the Members for their valuable contributions this evening. The Minister, Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, as Members know, is very supportive of this legislation. I acknowledge the parents who are in the Public Gallery from various advocacy groups who worked and engaged with the 2024 Act and are doing exactly the same again with this new Act that is under way. This is extremely compl…

That is not true.

It was 21 Bills this year and there are 25 going through the Houses. I just want to put that on the record as there is so much misinformation out there.

Twenty-one. Five more are to be signed in this week. So that is 16 with five more to be signed in. I apologise to the Ceann Comhairle for the over and back but I think clarity is important. There are 25 Bills through the Houses. I have given eight sessions between the Dáil and the Seanad on the Mental Health Bill, with 650 amendments. They take time.

We had committees as well.

I move: Tuesday's business shall be: - Motion re Referral to Joint Committee of Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) (No. 2) Regulations 2025 (without debate and any division claimed to be taken immediately) - Motion re Appointment of Members of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (without debate and any division claimed to be taken immediately) - Motion re …

There I was thinking the spirit of Christmas might have landed on the very last day-----

-----and that the Order of Business might be agreed. I contacted all the Whips last Saturday to let them know that, following a request from Deputy Collins, and after speaking to the Minister, Deputy Heydon, and the Minister of State, Deputy Dooley, the Ministers would like to facilitate statements on fisheries. That is being facilitated tomorrow afternoon. It will be a full round, so that limits…

I thank Deputy Kelly for the opportunity to address the House on the discussion around the need for a new model 4 hospital in the mid-west region. I also thank him for his ongoing advocacy in relation to University Hospital Limerick. I have stood across the floor from him many times over the past five and half years discussing health matters, and he has been very consistent. I want to put that on …

I thank the Deputy for that. The Minister will update her Cabinet colleagues before Christmas on her considered response. I acknowledge the fact the Deputy appreciates there is work going on to increase capacity and additional funding has been provided. UHL's budget has increased from €265 million in 2019 to €507 million in 2024. I will also touch on the two rapid build 16-bed units opened in Dece…

It is not opposed.

I move: Tuesday's business shall be: - Motion re Excess Vote relating to 2024 [Vote 14] (without debate) - Arbitration (Amendment) Bill 2025 (Second Stage) (to conclude within 3 hours and 34 minutes) Tuesday's private members' business shall be the Motion re Assessment of Needs, selected by Sinn Féin. Wednesday's business shall be: - Statements on Online Safety (not to exceed 2 hours and 25 …

I thank the Ceann Comhairle and all the Whips for raising these important issues. We will take the opportunity on Thursday at the Business Committee meeting to discuss them further. The Order of Business stands.

No.

I thank Deputy Fleming for raising the issue of Erkina House. We have been here before. The Deputy has been a long-time advocate for and supporter of Erkina House. It is a key priority for me and for the Government that people experiencing mental health difficulties receive the appropriate level of care they require in the most suitable location in the community which best meets their needs. Achi…

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 pur…

I thank the Deputy for raising this important matter. He is quite right that people look at Christmas in different ways. It is a really difficult time For some people. He is also quite right about the unique problems for people with an eating disorder and how they may feel more isolated than ever before. We have a national clinical programme on eating disorders, which has progressed well, with 16…

The Deputy raised a valid point. The priority over the past few years has been community supports because 90% of people with an eating disorder are treated in the community. It is a very difficult mental health disorder and for many people it takes over their entire life. It can sometimes take up to seven years for recovery and some people relapse. It is very challenging, and I am happy to see the…

How many?

I thank Deputy Farrelly for the manner in which he has raised the issue. While acknowledging the challenges in Naas General Hospital, he spoke about this issue being no reflection on the staff and that the level of care being provided is exceptional. I want to acknowledge his work in advocating for the people of Kildare. I did not realise 250,000 people live in Kildare. That is huge population gro…