Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for the report. A Vision for Change is crucial. All of us know people who suffer from depression. On the issue of awareness, will Mr. Kane elaborate on the Let's Talk and Walk and #LittleThings campaigns? I am a firm believer in using campaigns to highlight issues because we need to speak about mental health. It is crucial that funding is provided for campaigns. Awareness is very important because a lack of understanding of mental health issues can be a major problem. People are afraid they may say the wrong thing when speaking to someone with mental illness.

The difficulty in recruiting staff, particularly consultants, is a major issue. People are waiting for appointments and Members of the Oireachtas often make telephone calls asking when appointments can be made for people. How can the issue of recruitment be addressed?

We need to work together because we would be stronger as a team. Being divisive will not work. A Vision for Change was published 11 years ago. The HSE must work with all the different groups and families, in particular, must be included. The submission refers to working with families and different groups and states this was recognised in 2016 with the establishment of the mental health engagement office in the Health Service Executive. Will Mr. Kane provide more information on this office?