Pat Buckley (Cork East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for their presentation. The previous speaker touched on the issue of addiction or the dual diagnosis, as we call it, which appears to be a major problem in this country. Having met many people in recent weeks and months I am aware that accessing help within the system seems to be a stumbling block for many people. Could the witnesses point us in the right direction in that regard? Is that about leadership and responsibility on the part of the individuals who have been elected by the people to take on that responsibility or do we need to set out rules on it?

The witnesses mentioned staffing, which is a major issue that arises in almost every meeting of this committee. Would the witnesses consider a new wages package for staff? Do we have to start paying big bucks to get the required number of nurses for the health services?

The witnesses stated that the budget for mental health services is extremely low. We are well aware of that. Would they recommend a doubling of the mental health budget for the specific services? Mr. Maher stated that the budget for mental health care was 6.2%. Should that figure be 12% or 13%? It is not rocket science. We have to spend the money on the services to get what we want out of them.

Mention was made of A Vision for Change. This is a broad question. If any section of A Vision for Change was implemented, do the witnesses believe it would still work?

My strong view is that it will but I wanted the opinion of the experts.