In an interview with the RTÉ News at One, on RTÉ Radio 1, Mr Varadkar said that the service is coming under considerable pressure arising out of recruitment issues.

The Mental Health Commission has published individual reports on the nine HSE regions following a major report on the overall service in July

An independent investigation found shortcomings were contributing to ‘inefficient and unsafe’ services

The Inspector of Mental Health Services found some residents sharing rooms, toilets and dining facilities.

The HSE's chief operations officer gave evidence to an Oireachtas sub-committee on Tuesday

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Mental Health Commission takes case against HSE after patient itted to mental health centre in alleged breach of registration