Phil Prendergast (Labour)

I join with what previous speakers said in regard to yesterday's embarrassing incident. I feel privileged to be a Member of this House and I am proud to be here representing viewpoints and doing what I need to do. What happened yesterday is bad press that we do not need given the calls for reform of the Seanad. This type of behaviour sends out the impression that we do not take our job seriously, which is wrong.

The Health Service Executive published a report a few weeks ago on St. Luke's Hospital and St. Michael's unit, St. Joseph's Hospital, Clonmel. We must provide every resource necessary for our mental health service. Members will be aware of the tragic events in respect of a family in Wexford, as published in a report this week. Last week, I spoke about the befriending service in south Tipperary Hospital, the services of which are to be withdrawn as the €20,000 funding it requires is unavailable. By my reckoning, the cost to the State of supporting people unemployed as a result of this decision will be €20,000. I would like if serious consideration were given to mental health services and to the provision of necessary funding to allow people to avail of services that have proven cost effective. The provision of this service ensures people do not have to seek more expensive treatments when a befriending service is not available to them.