James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)

Deputy Neville's commitment in this area is well known for many years. I accept that the service base is low and that much requires to be done. Nevertheless, I remind the Deputy that within our primary care strategy, it is our intention that each primary care centre will have a mental health facility so that people with mental health problems will be treated in the same way as any other patient, thus helping to remove the stigma associated with mental illness. It often seems to be acceptable to talk about one's sore leg or chest pain but not to talk about mental health difficulties. That stigma must be debunked.

I too pay tribute to Mr. Geoff Day for all the work he has done. Some stories in the press have suggested he is leaving because of a lack of resources. This is not the case. I met him last Friday at the Console conference where he made clear to me, as he had done earlier to conference attendees, that he is taking the opportunity to pursue a master's degree at Trinity College. He had intended to retire next year but has done so a little earlier in order to commence his studies. Mr. Day has generously and kindly offered his services to us in the coming years. I am grateful to him for that and have no doubt he will continue to be a very valuable resource.

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