Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

Deputy Neville has done more than any other politician in recent years to ratchet up the political priority given to tackling the inadequacies in treating mental health problems and psychiatric illness. The Mental Health Act does not provide for the provision of treatment, which is only provided when necessary.

The first report of the working group on child and adolescent psychiatric services, set up by Deputy Martin when Minister for Health and Children, states: "It is recommended that a total of seven child and adolescent in-patient units for children ranging from 6-16 should be developed throughout the country". This recommendation was made almost six years ago in February 2001. In the intervening six years — a time when the Government has collected a record level in taxes, €8 billion more than it stated it needed — the public's money has been squandered on PPARS, electronic voting machines and a range of other issues when children needing psychiatric help cannot get it.

What is different? Did the Tánaiste speak to the Taoiseach before the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, Deputy Tim O'Malley, made his callous and heartless outburst about this matter some time ago? The Tánaiste has stated he supports inequality in Irish society. He sees what he sees and knows what he knows. The Minister of State has now backed it up by stating very few people make representations to him, that the waiting list should be queried and, worse still, that psychiatrists deliberately keep waiting lists long in order to exert power and influence.

What kind of Minister of State has the Taoiseach in charge of psychiatric and mental health services? Did the Tánaiste speak to the Taoiseach before this heartless outburst?

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