Jillian van Turnhout (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Question No. 3 relates to Health Ireland: A Framework for Improved Health and Wellbeing 2013-2025. I attended the launch, where there was great fanfare about it being a superb initiative. However, I was disappointed. It is all about joined-up government and working together to have a healthier Ireland. Despite this, the Department of Education and Skills has reduced the number of physical education hours on the new junior cycle. I am sure that Deputy Fitzpatrick will have something to say on childhood obesity. The reply to my question referred a great deal to social, personal and health education, SPHE, but not to physical education. I am concerned by the reduction in hours. This committee held many hearings on childhood obesity. The recommendation to get children into the habit of exercising more was made repeatedly.

Question No. 5 is relevant to recent events. I am very pleased that the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill has been passed, but 28,500 women are diagnosed each year with perinatal or postnatal depression or post-traumatic stress disorder relating to their pregnancies. The waiting list is nine plus months. It is a critical time for these services.

To echo what Deputy Ó Caoláin has said, the answer gave me a lot of information but did not address my question on accessing services for these women. They need supports and services at the critical time of bonding with their child or approaching the birth. We have had a lot of discussion on mental health and pregnancy but these services must be made available. I have worked with a small organisation called NURTURE that tries to provide these services. Dr. Anthony McCarthy and I launched the organisation over a year go. NURTURE often provides free counselling to women using the other part of its business to subsidise the cost. I am concerned about the area of supports and services for women.

I did not table a question on mental health expenditure. However, I have read many newspaper reports on the matter and want a clear statement. Earlier this year we were told that the €35 million that was not spent last year will be added to this year's funding. I was seated here in the committee rooms when we were told that there is €70 million to be spent. What is the anticipated spend for year end of the €70 million?