Mental Health Commission head clashes with TD over Owenacurra closure

MHC chief executive John Farrelly had testy exchange with Green Party TD Neasa Hourigan during Oireachtas committee meeting

MHC chief executive John Farrelly said the commission does not have the power to stop the Owenacurra closure.

A stormy Oireachtas committee hearing saw the head of the Mental Health Commission ask a TD, “Where do you think you are?”, when pressed on the closure of the Owenacurra mental health facility in Cork.

MHC chief executive John Farrelly had told Green TD Neasa Hourigan  he did not “want to be drawn into comment on any individual centre as it could prejudice any regulatory function we may be required to take”.