James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have stated on the record that there will be a director of mental health. This is the first time that a separate and distinct director of mental health will be appointed. The person appointed will be responsible to the director general for the budget and resources applied to mental health and for advancing the Government's stated policy of implementing A Vision for Change. The idea is to create transparent lines of funding for the various directorates. We all know that mental health crosses a range of areas, which means there is not only a vertical line but also a horizontal line passing through primary care, hospital care, social care and community care. The expert advice I have received indicates this amendment will cause more problems than it will solve. I absolutely accept the good intentions behind it but I ask that it be withdrawn because I do not want to send a negative message on mental health. I believe mental health is critical to everybody's well being and people do not know how strong it is until it breaks. I will not be in a position to accept the amendment and rather than have a vote on it, I would prefer it to be withdrawn.