Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The questions posed by Deputy Ó Caoláin and Senator van Turnhout are related. I have learned in the past number of years that the structure relating to and the way in which a service is delivered are as important as the service itself. Volumes of staff can be brought into a service but if they are not operating within a robust structure and if there is not a good team-building model in place for them, one could very well find one's self with the people filling additional posts having very little to do. We are intent on ensuring that there is such a robust structure in place in the area of mental health. The story with regard to mental health services is not at all as bad as it is being painted. I meet hundreds of people every week in respect of this issue and I am aware that the position is not as bad as is perceived.