Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)

This year presents a major challenge for the HSE in that it must do more with less. There is a massive budget, however, and if it were spent in the most productive way, it would surely produce a high-quality and proper health care system. The plan states "Designing and delivering services, to ensure high quality safe services for all our patients and clients, is our primary concern". Central to this is the dignity of the person, irrespective of whether he has a mental illness, disability or physical illness.

Some time ago, the Technical Group sponsored a motion on mental health during Private Members' business. It was one of the most moving debates in my short time here, three years. The Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, was present and contributed to the debate. It demonstrated that mental illness has touched so many people. We are told one in four will be affected, yet the HSE's budget in this area is only 5.3% of its overall budget. While I know the Minister of State is doing her best, the figure is very low.

We cannot talk about this topic without mentioning Mr. John McCarthy, who passed away recently in Cork. He had mental health issues. At the core of everything he did was an emphasis on the dignity and rights of those suffering from mental illness. He was a phenomenal and tireless campaigner in highlighting the normalcy of madness. Members will know about Mad Pride Ireland. I hope that, in memory of Mr. McCarthy, we will get rid of the involuntary use of ECT.

The plan states 414 extra posts will be funded from the €33 million. With so many leaving the health service, will the new staff be replacing those who leave or will they be additional staff?

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