Joan Freeman (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank everybody who was here today, particularly those from the mental health division who were subjected to a really strong attack from us.

Again, it is not personal, but we must do it - we must ask those questions.

The Minister of State has been handed, according to some, a poisoned chalice. Let us hope it does not infect him. I say to him publicly that I will pursue the matter of waiting lists because there is a lady, a mum, here today whose daughter developed an eating disorder while she was on the waiting list, so it is crucial. Today is 6 July, and we are about to go into recess. Before we do so, I will ask him publicly again what has been achieved on waiting lists. From working with him before, I believe he can achieve the goal of handling this.

To the other people present I say they have probably served on numerous task forces or committees and have had their hopes raised so high, thinking that we would do something positive. I am sorry those hopes have been dashed most of the time. However, I promise them that after today, I and the committee will ensure that whatever the report, which will be ready by autumn, shows, we will ensure it is considered, adhered to and will not gather dust.