Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Does Mental Health Reform have any indication of that likely recruitment and how quickly it might come to pass? The allocation for this area in 2015 is €35 million. It has been highlighted today that the lesser sum provided in the current year will not be fully employed. We had a commitment from the Minister of State that the shortfall for this year of €15 million would be provided in addition to the €35 million allocation for next year but that has not happened. Perhaps the witnesses would set out the likely negative consequences of that failure to adhere to the commitment that was contained in the programme for Government in 2011.

The witnesses might also elaborate on the Mental Health Commission's needs in terms of fulfilling its functions as set out in its pre-budget submission. Reference was also made in the agency's pre-budget submission to the need for extension of free primary care to all who require long term mental health treatment. As part of Sinn Féin's effort in its preparation of an alternative budget, I attempted to have that costed by the Departments of Health, Finance or Public Expenditure and Reform but they were not able to do so as they have no information in relation to the current number of people who require mental health services, never mind projections in this regard into the future. There are major problems in this area.