Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)

I acknowledge the expertise and commitment of Deputy Neville in this important area and the tremendous work he has done in that regard. We accept the point he made. We are determined to ensure that mental health services are provided locally at community level for both adults and children. That is why there has been such a clear commitment on the additional funding for this year's budget, notwithstanding the difficult economic situation generally.

I assure the Deputy that the Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, is determined to develop the services to meet the considerable demand that exists. She has been particularly vocal about the need to establish a national director for mental health services. That will happen in the coming months. I thank the Deputy for raising the matter.

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