Mr. John Farrelly:

The pilot programme in Limerick still has not started. There are still questions regarding the budget for it. That programme would bring in what are known as crisis intervention teams to assist people who are unwell. A mental illness is an illness. It is a health issue in the same way as a cancer or any other health issue. When someone has a mental health problem, they need to be met by people who understand mental health, that is, trained personnel. I would like to think that, if it happens in Limerick, and it still has not, at the very least, lessons would be learned from putting it in place. However, I emphasise the recommendations in this regard. This has been going on for ten or 15 years. There is no reason these teams should not be in place all over the country at this time.