Ciara Conway (Waterford, Labour)

I thank the Minister of State for her response. We need to see joined up thinking in trying to tackle this problem, because it is not something that rests solely at her door. We need to see greater integration of services between the Department of Health, the Department of Children and Youth Affairs and the Department of Education and Skills, in order to meet the psychological and emotional needs of our children. This is particularly the case for the most vulnerable group in the 16 to 18 year old bracket.

I welcome the advances that have been made in tackling the waiting times for young people with mental health difficulties. I congratulate the Minister of State, in these very harsh economic times, in being able to secure €35 million for the progression and the further investment in what is a vital component of our health system, namely, the mental health services. I thank her for her response and I look forward to working with her to advance further the needs of our most vulnerable people.

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