John Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

A fortnight ago I came before the Joint Committee on Health and Children and indicated that the Government would honour its commitment on the child and adolescent units that will contain 100 beds in all. I also indicated on that day that I would return to the committee in February with clear and decisive commitments in respect of this matter. I am not ignoring arguments to the effect that Limerick should be included in this regard. I asked the committee for its indulgence until February on this matter.

The Deputy will recognise that there has been a significant increase in the number of child and adolescent beds. I accept, however, that this increase is not enough. Neither I nor the Minister for Health and Children have ever pretended that half the required number is adequate. The commitment to 100 beds remains in place. The target in this regard was set when A Vision for Change first appeared and it is now being brought forward.

I cannot comment specifically on reports that children as young as five years of age have attempted suicide. The priority in the mental health area always has been the provision of early intervention. That will be proven over the next few weeks and we will return to the matter in February. The commitment was to ensure adequate child and adolescent mental health beds. I appreciate the work of Deputy Neville and the Department will have proposals in February for dealing with mental health in the best way, with the added aim of ensuring that we reduce the number of suicides, specifically those of children and adolescents.

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