Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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I was not 100% clear whether the Deputy was talking about the phone line or the online service. I think she referred to the online service but when she spoke further, it was more about the phone line. She said that it would be assumed that certainly the online delivery of any mental health therapy would done in primary care centres under the guidance of the GP. I think she seemed to be concerned about that. Of course, the GP would be central to a phone line but GPs face a challenge as well. If someone presents to a GP, the GP is supposed to be an expert in every area when obviously they cannot be. They are also expected to be up to date on the whole range of services so GPs would be central to directing people. What I want to do is create that directory and signposting and make tools available to people regardless of whether people ring to find out the nearest available mental health support or go to their GP, who will also have immediate access to this directory and can direct people to the most appropriate means, because we do have an issue with people being referred. Not every teenager who presents with a mental health issue, be it anxiety, stress or bullying, needs to go to CAMHS. In some cases, they do not need to see a consultant psychiatrist. There can be interventions at different levels, therapies, psychologists and so on. It is about appropriateness and appropriate referrals but GPs will always remain central and will be the front door and first point of contact for people.