Mr. Mark Smyth:

We need to remember we have a limited pool of people available to work in these roles. We are not training enough counsellors, psychotherapists or psychologists. Without multi-year funding, it is very difficult for people to make a choice. Between taking a one-year contract or a permanent and pensionable post, they will take the latter all the time. We need that continuity. If it is a post for one year and the person moves on to something else, we have lost that expertise. In each area, people working in youth mental health develop an interest, expertise and skills. If they move on because of the promise of only one year, that skill base is lost to other areas. I echo the calls that it needs to be multi-annual funding.