Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

When performing their functions as members of the directorate, appointed directors will act collectively as part of the governing body of the HSE. This is distinct from their individual responsibilities as senior employees in the grade of national director relating to a particular service area. As the Minister indicated on Committee Stage, therefore, it is not feasible for him to accept this amendment with the specificity it involves in singling out one service area, however vital. I am sure the Deputy will agree with that.

On behalf of the Minister, I am of course happy to put on the record today that his intention is to appoint the new national director of mental health as a member of the HSE directorate. As the Minister said in committee, he fully understands the good intention behind this amendment and he and I both share the Deputy's view on the importance of mental health services. However, for the reasons which have been explained, the Minister will not be in a position to accept the amendment and would ask the Deputy to consider withdrawing it.

The process that ensued in order to get these four directors was a very open one. The Bill clearly states it has to be an employee of the HSE but anyone who gets the job will then naturally become an employee of the HSE. The Bill is not stating that in order to apply for or get the job, one has to be an employee of the HSE. It does not rule that out, but it most definitely does not demand that in the first instance.

As the Deputy will know, I listen very carefully to various mental health groups, particularly groups outside the Houses. They have a particular view and, while I do not always agree with them, I always listen. The point I have noticed is that various groups that have an interest in mental health, and I would include Mental Health Reform in this, have pushed out the boat in regard to mental health and have forced us to think of it in a different way. I believe this is all very good. I would never dismiss anyone that has the experience of any of the four people who have been recruited as the new directors of the HSE. They are very competent people, they know the system and the service, and I know they will all bring to the table very unique qualities. We will be making significant progress and we need someone very specific to carry forward that progress.

I understand that when the amendment was put down, it was not very clear whether a director of mental health was about to be appointed or would have been appointed as quickly as has happened. However, I know we are all of one mind on this, and I know the Deputy, the Minister and I would wish the new director in this area only the very best. Whatever help any of us can give him, I am sure we will be prepared to do that.

See this speech in context