Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)

I accept Deputy Boyd Barrett's point on working with other Departments. I assure him that I am doing that. I am taking an overview. The policy overview on these issues is extremely important. That is why we are having the interdepartmental meetings on mental health as well as on how Children First, for example, is being implemented.

Deputy Boyd Barrett asked me also about child protection teams. I have already indicated - as I am sure the Deputy heard - that an extra 25% of social workers were recruited. An extra €19 million has been allocated. That must mean better services for children. There is no question about that, given the 25% increase in social workers working with families coming to the HSE, for example, and an extra €19 million being put into services. I agree that demand exists and that families have serious issues that require a prompt response. I am working cross-departmentally on the issues raised by the Deputy and I will continue to do so.

A new national children's strategy is being developed this year. It will look at children from birth right through to the age of 18. I accept that any development of a national children's policy must look at issues such as how we deliver mental health services, disability issues and other areas. As Deputy Boyd Barrett correctly pointed out, there has been a need for co-ordination on these areas.

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