Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I wish to tease out another issue. Before I do so, I congratulate the new Minister of State, Deputy Donohoe, on his elevation to the post. I also welcome his distinguished visitors to the House. I presume they are not part of his local cumann. Anyway, céad míle fáilte.

Let me preface what I wish to tease out. If 900 posts have been filled by professionals to deal with mental health issues, I would be the first to congratulate the Taoiseach. The Taoiseach is well intended on the issue. However, the posts were not filled last year. What happened to the funding allocated for those posts not filled? That is the difficulty I have in coming to terms with the figures the Taoiseach has given to me. The fact is that we have filled fewer than half the posts. Money was allocated last year. Was it reserved? Is it still in the kitty? Has it been spent on something else?

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