John Brassil (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I thank the witnesses for their presentations. I will try to go straight to my questions because time is very limited. We have before us what I would consider two very important organisations in the treatment of mental health. Is there good interaction between both organisations? Are there regular consults, meetings, the kind of interaction one would hope for and expect between two such important organisations? If so, as a result, are there matching case studies, such as the example Dr. O'Brien gave, and does each organisation get opinions from the other side? I am interested to know the level of interaction there is.

Regarding the counselling for depression model that Dr. Murphy spoke of, has a costing been carried out on rolling it out in the Republic of Ireland? I am interested to know whether it is realistic or whether it is one of those things to which we aspire somewhere down the road? I have a further question for both organisations. What percentage of GP practices have counselling services? Is it a high or a low figure? They should be in every GP practice. If they are not, can we bring them about?

I have a question specifically for the IACP about registration, qualification and who is qualified and not qualified. I think many people call themselves counsellors, including me when I was a member of Kerry County Council. Is there a need for more stringent registration processes so that, for example, if a GP service refers someone, it is happy with the level to which they are referring? I would like to hear the witnesses' opinions on that issue.

Regarding the issue of referral without going through a psychiatrist, should the GPs be able to refer to a counsellor directly, or do they have to go through a psychiatrist now? Are some parts of the system hindering GPs from getting that consult done more directly?

Dr. O'Shea spoke about the use of drugs and headline programmes and what works and does not work. Is it his opinion that counselling should always be the first line, is there a need for medication or is it evaluated on a case-by-case basis? I have worked as a pharmacist for many years and seen people who have been on medication for many years and who function absolutely perfectly and live perfectly normal lives. Is that a better outcome than someone not on medication and not functioning? Does counselling work for everyone? Are we-----