James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Dr. McDaid for her presentation. It bring clarity to the situation. I have two questions. As a spokesperson on mental health, I have found that mental health permeates every Department, be it education, justice and equality, victims of crime and rural areas. I came across a situation where the HSE refused to install a hoist for two mentally disabled children because it required a fixed hoist, which would require a slight adjustment to the wall and therefore the HSE ruled that it was now a matter for the county council. In fairness, Wexford County Council stepped in and dealt with it. I would have said it was not the responsibility of the county council but a matter for primary health care. Will Dr. McDaid comment on integration of services even outside the health issue?

Will Dr. McDaid comment on the integration of common assessment tools? I had a situation where it was considered that a very young child needed to see a psychologist because of a bereavement in the family, but after 18 months her mother got a letter stating that her five-year-old child would not be seen because mental health issues arising from bereavement were not covered. However, in fairness, the Minister of State, Deputy McEntee is looking into this issue. I would like to hear Dr. McDaid's views on common assessment tools.