The country's mental health services are in need of a serious overhaul.

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Mental Health, Colm Keaveney made the comment, after it was revealed that nine consultant Psychiatrists withdrew confidence in the clinical management of the Carlow-Kilkenny / South Tipperary mental health services.

Since January 2012, there have been 13 suicides and 4 very serious incidents at psychiatric hospitals in the area.

In a letter sent last year to Minister with responsibility for Mental Health Kathleen Lynch, the doctors questioned the safety of governance in the service.

The Psychiatrists said they felt devalued and ignored in their attempts to raise their concerns in the HSE.

Deputy Keaveney said Minister Kathleen Lynch has consistently ignored the warnings given by frontline staff.