Dr. Niall Muldoon:

It has to be a two-way street. The politicians have to mind it. It is the politicians who have to make commitments and follow through on them. It is people like ourselves who need to ensure that the promises are in the manifestos so that mental health is on the agenda and that they are followed through. Often mental health was not even on the agenda, so the previous Government programme was very positive in that regard. I have to ensure that it happens and I must keep pushing for that. I would row in behind any politicians who would do that and I urge Oireachtas Members to continue to keep it on the agenda for their parties while they are thinking about what their manifestos will be. I will also follow through with Ministers, and I am due to meet a number of Ministers before the end of the year on mental health and the concept of the pathfinder. It is an ongoing process. I cannot engage in politics but I will engage with all politicians to ensure that this stays on the agenda and that no stone is left unturned. I cannot force the Oireachtas to do things but I can continually hold a mirror up to its actions and show the reactions. The Senator's work has been exemplary in highlighting that, and many members of this committee have done that to show the true-life effects.

I have been down to Wexford to meet the children, not just the parents, who have been effected. It is heartbreaking to see it. We are spending a lot of money bringing someone in every week to spend two days in the area.

I suggest that we could probably hire and train somebody for less money. We could make sure he or she stays in place. We could create a separate set of rules for the recruitment and training of people in crisis areas. If the will existed to do so, we could bring in younger people and tell them "this is your future and we will support you". I will continue to pursue this sort of initiative.

I would not be as downbeat about a change of Government because that would offer opportunities. When new people and new politicians come into different positions, it presents the possibility of new wisdom and new energy. It is part of my job to continue to keep this going. I will not drop my energy levels. I will not drop the enforcement. I will not stop following through on any of the actions I have taken. I urge all members of the committee to keep pushing this on the agendas of all their parties. We must make sure it stays at the highest level of priority. From my point of view, mental health is the key part of this. We have been looking at issues like disability and homelessness. Every one of them is connected to mental health. If one has the resilience that comes with good mental health, one is capable of dealing with a great deal of other stuff. I will continue to push this.