Mr. Pat Bennett:

On the support for staff, I could not agree more with the Senator. Staff are stressed. The non-filling of positions in recent years and positions disappearing has had a huge impact on them. There is an employee assistance service within the service but it is the responsibility of managers as well to support their staff. We would encourage staff to go to managers with particular difficulties they might be experiencing. Many of them are not work related but to do with outside work because of the other pressures in life. The Senator is right, however, that it is something we need to put in place because mental health staff are users of mental health services as well. There is a reality in that respect. The Senator has made a very good point and she has put into my psyche the need to be a bit more forthcoming on that issue because it is very important. I will have a look at that.

Regarding the seven day mental health service, I will ask Ms McArdle to take that question.