Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Tánaiste for his reply. He mentioned the 414 posts due to be filled and said that as of April 383 of them had been filled. When is it hoped the full allocation of posts will be completed? Also, it does not take into account retirements within that sector; therefore, I would be interested in knowing the net figure.

The Tánaiste mentioned the issue of suicide. I am sure he is aware of the recent report published by the charity 3Ts which made for shocking reading. Some of the statistics within it were very worrying. It indicated that Ireland had the fourth highest suicide rate in the European Union for those aged between 15 and 24 years. It is simply unacceptable to have a situation where facilities in place to help young children and adolescents suffering from mental health issues are not fully utilised. Does the Tánaiste accept that more needs to be done in providing counselling services for those at risk and their families, as well as the provision of information and education services? Can he give a commitment that the provision of funding for suicide prevention measures and mental health care services for young children and adolescents will be made a priority in the upcoming budget?

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