John Brassil (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The future of health care committee found that some of the hospital groups were recruiting per hospital group. As a result it was a better process. I would suggest that the community health organisations consider that approach because it produces better results.

For the myriad section 39 organisations that are out there, does the HSE have a methodology by which it can measure their input, effectiveness, value for money and so on? Is there some metric by which they can be held accountable for the money they get? There are various organisations doing wonderful work that could do with much more money. However, I am also aware that there might be organisations of which we might question where they fit in on the spectrum. That is something that might be improved upon.

There is an accountable officer for each CHO. In Cork-Kerry, it is Ger Reaney. If I understand correctly, Ger is responsible for the delivery of the service. He is also responsible for disability. Is there a need for an accountable figure more specific to mental health? I am casting no aspersions on anybody. It is just such a huge area. Trying to cover that plus disability and a few more legs as well might be an impossible task for any individual.

On the drugs spend, some anti-psychotic drugs are very expensive. They are distributed to the HSE's general pharmacy or medical cards set-up. Are those figures included in the mental health spend or are they part of the general overall drugs spend? It is a big figure and a lot of money but I am not sure it is the right place for it to be included.