Harris hounded on letter

A letter from Minister for Health Simon Harris claiming that the HSE is providing extensive cover for mental health patients in the county through numerous centres was described as very patronising by Cllr Deirdre Wadding at the meeting.

Cllr Wadding said: ‘It’s very patronising and most unsatisfactory to say we have everything we want.’

Cllr Keith Doyle and Cllr Anthony Kelly said a dedicated 24/7 acute mental health unit is needed in County Wexford.

Cllr Doyle said: ‘ They are afraid to give it us because they know it will open up a can of worms.’

Cllr Johnny Mythen said there is only one child and adult psychologist for a county with 150,000 people.

‘We know we have one of the highest rates of suicide in the country. To stand by and do nothing is not an option.’

Cllr Frank Staples agreed, saying: ‘ This is a very serious issue. I think we need to send the figures for suicides to the Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People, Helen McEntee.’

Chairman Cllr Paddy Kavanagh said the council would write to the minister again and propose that a delegation from the council meet to discuss the matter.

Cllr Barbara Anne Murphy said the council lost Cllr Fergie Kehoe to suicide earlier this year, adding, ‘we know it’s important to do something about suicide in the county.’