Dr. John Hillery:

Having a national director is saying we think mental health is one of the most important things in the health service in this country. It is not a side dish; it is key. It ensures there is somebody at the main table, to use a clumsy analogy again, who is speaking solely for that area and is not distracted by other things. It is also saying that mental health services are about mental health services. They are not part of other community things or education, or a bit of this or a bit of that. They have their own role and they are really important. Then it is about this person being somebody who those of us who are part of the broader group of stakeholders know we can approach. A parent or a person who has a family member with a mental health problem could write to the national lead. I could go on but I think that gives the answer.