Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

This is a matter of concern. Yes, I did say prior to the election in the television debate to which the Deputy referred that the 300,000 people who have mental health challenges would be a priority. It is true that at the time, the leader of the Labour Party, now Tánaiste, did refer to those in the disability sector.

The delivery of mental health services has been allocated to the Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, and is to become a central part of the delivery of normal health services. As Deputy McGrath is aware, those with mental health challenges were sidelined for many years. Yesterday I had the privilege of opening a primary care centre which will include the delivery of mental health services as a normal part of the delivery of services in the health sector.

I congratulate the disability authorities on the preparation of their pre-budget submission. I met a number of such groups. They are well aware of the constraints on the country and are happy to work with Government in putting forward credible proposals for the implementation of a plan for disability. From that perspective, their views and proposals will be taken into account.

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