Tom Neville (Limerick County, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I very much welcome the Minister, her report and the update. I share the sentiments expressed by Deputy Funchion and Senator Freeman regarding the progress that has been made to date.

I believe the Government is really trying to tackle the area of child care, which had been neglected for many years, looking at it not only from a societal point of view but an economic point of view in light of the changes in this area down through the years. Child care was one of the main issues raised with us on the doorsteps in 2016. I am sure members of the Opposition received the same feedback.

On the development of the IT system, it was stated that this will be done through a full open procurement process as opposed to a framework agreement. Am I correct that the Department has chosen to go that route because it has to be more flexible given that there may be changes in legislation? Perhaps the witnesses would clarify that. It was also stated a full open procurement process would be a lengthier process. What is the proposed timeframe around the putting in place of the necessary legislation and the installation of the new IT system?

It was also stated that the current suite will be used in 2018. I assume that when the new model is in place there will be a migration from the old model to the new one. As a member of the Joint Committee on the Future of Mental Health Care I support what the Minister is trying to do. I am positive that what is being done will be done correctly and that we will get this right. We all recall the debacle ten or 12 years ago surrounding the installation of PPARS. I would ask the Department to be mindful of the mistakes made in that regard. I want to see this succeed for the good of the country, such that it can be used as the benchmark for future models. As a member of the Joint Committee on the Future of Mental Health Care I know that the IT systems being used in the mental health services are archaic and real timing reporting is a problem. IT systems are important in terms of user activity and addressing waiting lists. I believe that this new system, when implemented, will not only be of assistance in terms of what we are doing in the child care space but it will also have a knock-on effect in the mental health care services area. As I said, I have a vested interest in mental health care services. There is potential for this system to be used in areas other than child care. I ask the health authorities to keep a close eye on its implementation so that it might be used a benchmark for future models.