Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)

As for what the Government is doing, apart from the commitment of €35 million, I am sure the Deputy is aware that a new mental health facility is being built in Beaumont at the moment. I am sure he is also aware that the Government has committed, in a tight capital programme, to correctly rebuild the Central Mental Hospital. I do not know why the Deputy should feel that the commitment of this Government, as detailed in the programme for Government, to prioritise mental health services is not being delivered on. However, it will take time to rebuild the Central Mental Hospital and to complete the building of the new facility in Beaumont. A special allocation of €20 million was made for primary care in the budget. The challenge for all health services, as in other Departments, is the significant number of staff who are resigning in advance of their expected time. This is challenging for managers but, as we all know, we have many managers in the HSE-----

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