Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

At the foundation of the State, there were 200 psychiatrists, but in a very short period of time, we have increased that number to 300. The Deputy should not refer to next year. This is what we have done this year. We have done an enormous amount of work in this area. We are endeavouring to implement that programme and put in the resources, which are staff resources, so that the expert group on mental health policy, which was launched this year, can build on what has happened in recent years. I believe that can be successfully done. Deputy Kenny is correct in that, because of the good management of the economy, we have far more resources to put into services, which is why we are doing so.

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