Ms Fiona Coyle:

I am happy to answer that question for Deputy Crowe. He is really speaking here to the importance of multidisciplinary teams. When we historically think of mental health, we may think of a psychiatrist, psychologist or psychiatric nurses but there is a very important need for a multidisciplinary team, so that the community mental health teams are made up of various disciplines, including dietitians, social workers and occupational therapists. We know that across the country our community mental health teams are not at full capacity and that there is a need to look at that to ensure those positions in place and are delivering the services to the communities. Dietitians play a very important role, in particular, for those with more severe and enduring mental health difficulties. There can be side effects from medication.

Weight can be an issue. I thank the Deputy for highlighting the very important need for a multidisciplinary approach.