Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I agree with one point Deputy Rabbitte made, namely, that this is a very important issue to be discussing. That is why we are so determined to continue to implement and resource the A Vision for Change programme, which was agreed for this year, and not to talk about it. As I stated, regardless of all the staff we provided over recent years, we provided 400 for mental health services this year alone. We provided eight extra teams and identified, over recent years, what we need to do. The comments of the Minister of State, Deputy Tim O'Malley, in March outlined what we need to do over the next five years. In this regard, he set up the independent monitoring group, which we have resourced for the coming years.

I totally agree with what is stated in A Vision for Change. Deputy Rabbitte is repeating this and it is Government policy. I obviously agree with him that we need to deal with people early. This is why all primary and post-primary schools have access to psychological assessments for their pupils.

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