Pat Buckley (Cork East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

That is a nice way of explaining it. Mr. O'Sullivan has hit the nail on the head. Listening to that explanation, I understand that this complements the whole service across the board and makes it more attractive for counsellors, psychotherapists and psychologists to stay in their practices. One of the biggest burdens I have seen in dealing with people for many years is that the cost of counselling or whatever it may be is a massive deterrent. I thank Mr. O'Sullivan for his honesty.

Yes, there is always jostling. It is an Irish thing, especially within the health service. No matter what it is, people will protect their patch at all costs for fear they will lose something because it seems that things are so tight.

As regards the budget, I cannot see even 10% coming, never mind 12%. I would be surprised if it were even 7%. You would nearly want to be a forensic accountant when reading the books because they will promise you money that was spent the year before. It is crazy.

I take mental health services and so on very personally because the demand is unbelievable. It is about reforming a section of the mental health services. What Mr. O'Sullivan is looking for is not overly complicated but actually complements the whole system. It will streamline it such that there is regulation and standardisation, those who provide the service are more comfortable in their positions and their jobs and those who access the services will not be screwed when it comes to money.

I would like to revisit this. I hope the committee agrees to do so. As Mr. O'Sullivan said, there is no projected timeline in place to do this. That is the first question that should be asked. When will this be done?