Liam Twomey (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Before I ask the witnesses to reply, I will add a few comments. First, I should have declared that I am a member of the Irish Medical Organisation, IMO, and have been for some time. While I am not a junior doctor, I must also state I agree fully with what is going on there. It is absolutely disgraceful that young doctors are working so hard. In my time, we worked those 100 hour shifts and it is significantly dangerous for patient care and should be stopped immediately. I am concerned by some of the witnesses' observations on how the mental health teams have not been developed in the manner envisaged. However, it also is of concern to me that the witnesses have stated there has been a regression towards more institutionalised care, which we have spent the past 50 years trying to get rid of while trying to get out of the mentality of people talking about mental health services. It is about delivering such services in the community, and from my own practical experience, it is fantastically better for patients when it is done correctly.

Finally, I agree with everything Ms Kathleen O'Meara has stated with regard to tobacco. I would welcome a more in-depth report that members could discuss themselves because this is the Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform and this issue pertains to how finances are affected. The representatives from the IMO might comment on proposals such as giving free health care to the under-fives. I personally support this proposal and, from a health care perspective, it is important that parents come to the doctor with younger children more often because the latter cannot express themselves in the same way as can older children. I seek the witnesses' opinion on that as well.