Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On perinatal mental health, the Chairman is right in stating that we do not have a developed policy. We do not really have any initiatives in the area, which is something that has been very much brought to my attention through various groups, including the National Women's Council of Ireland, and within the Department.

It is also an area identified for the task force on youth mental health. We have divided the zero to 25 years of age category into zero to 12, 12 to 18 and 19 to 25 years of age. The zero to 12 years of age profile begins at the very beginning. Expectant mothers are scanned for diabetes, high blood pressure and various other conditions, but there is really no type of scanning for the development of depression or other forms of mental health illness during pregnancy. In developing my priorities for this year's budget, developing a new initiative on perinatal mental health is very much part of them. I am happy to update the Deputy and others once it progresses.