Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)

I acknowledge the parts of the Government amendment to the motion which highlight the improvements that have been made in the health services and the challenges being faced in the health area. I will devote my short speaking time to one particular aspect which is also of importance to the Minister of State, the mental health sector. I refer to the startling statistics about the number of people with mental health issues and the very insignificant level of funding in this area. Last week, the cross-party group on mental health raised a Topical Issue Matter on mental health with the Minister of State. We raised three questions, on the status of the €35 million that had been committed for community mental health services; the date of the appointment of a director; and the commitment on the ring-fencing of staff numbers. It was a good debate and we had a good engagement with the Minister of State. She referred to the gap analysis which she had been seeking to indicate the posts needed such as social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists and the location of the nursing posts. She gave the impression there would be positive moves. We did not get an answer on the question about the director but the Minister of State provided information on the posts and the funding of €35 million. It was alarming to read in the newspapers that health spending is facing big cuts as the financial deficit hits €280 million, possibly €500 million and that there would be a review of expenditure across all headings. Most alarming is the suggestion that parts of the €35 million for mental health services would be used to offset the overruns. I ask the Minister of State to assure me on this point. There is a dire need to move on A Vision for Change so that it becomes a reality. I refer to my recent parliamentary question to the Minister of State on the matter of the parents of an 18 year-old son with intellectual disability who relies on services from the HSE through the Brothers of Charity and these have been affected by the cuts. There is a need for appropriate services for people with intellectual disabilities who leave school. The HSE has identified approximately 650 school-leavers who will require services in 2012.

The issue of drugs made the headlines at the weekend because of events in the Phoenix Park. We know the problems of polydrug use and alcohol and yet the funding is being cut to the drugs task force projects and they are left in dire straits when dealing with those issues.

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