Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

There are discussions between the Minister, Deputy Donnelly, and the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Deputy Harris, on higher education and trying to put more posts in train. As the Cathaoirleach said, it will take four years for some of them to come through the system. It takes even longer for other definitions. There are certainly many conversations being had there because we have to start someplace. We have to start training up more people, such as psychologists. I welcome Dr. Niazi's statement that the executive increased the number of consultant psychiatrists because we are dependent on them. It is very challenging and we are seeing issues right across Europe with recruitment and retention. We have a growing and ageing population. We have the highest life expectancy in Europe according to the WHO. I try to say that every single day. We are therefore doing many things well but I take on board the Cathaoirleach's point.

I met Alone only two weeks ago to discuss loneliness and I will also speak on the loneliness task force. We are doing an awful lot of work with people with dementia, but it is important people with autism are included in strategies, going forward. I will certainly take that on board.