Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)

When we talk about Children First, it is important to be aware that a cross-departmental group is working on the issue. The Deputy is right when he says ensuring the safety of children involves cross-departmental work. We have a cross-departmental group working with the Garda and others are represented in the group which is looking at implementation of Children First. We must go right down through the Departments of Health and Education and Skills to ensure the guidelines are being implemented and deal with any issues that might come up, whether in schools or elsewhere. Only yesterday I had a meeting with the Irish National Teachers Organisation to discuss how the guidelines were being worked through in schools.

On Deputy Boyd Barrett's point on mental health, I am most concerned that young children and teenagers would have access to mental health teams. I discussed the matter recently with the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, who assures me that there is access for those aged up to 18 years in child and adolescent mental health teams throughout the country. I have outlined the situation on shortages. The aim is to concentrate on critical, essential, front-line services. A total of €16 million has been allocated for that purpose. In that context it is important to note that €35 million has been ring-fenced by the Government for the development of those mental health teams, including the child and adolescent mental health teams. The Minister of State, Deputy Lynch, with whom I liaise and work on the issues, indicated that 20 extra beds have become available for inpatient use for young people. There is progress in the area.

See this speech in context