Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I support Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin's amendment. This issue was raised on a few occasions on Second and Committee Stages. I referred to it when representatives of the HSE recently appeared before the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health and Children. I am not casting aspersions on those who have been appointed. We wish them well in the very onerous and challenging tasks that lie ahead of them.

However, this legislation will be very restrictive as to who can be appointed. The issue was raised by various advocacy groups who campaign for a better awareness of mental health issues and better mental health supports and services. The groups were concerned that the person best placed to be appointed is the person with the best experience and ability. This legislation confines the number of people who could be considered for this post or any of the other directorates. The specific area of mental health was raised with us by advocacy groups across the country. I do not understand why it is necessary to have a provision in legislation as to how appointments should be made. The Public Appointments Service is an appropriate body and there are other ways of interviewing and vetting candidates in order to choose the most suitable applicant. That process should be available to any person who wishes to put forward their credentials, undergo the scrutiny process and be appointed on merit as opposed to being appointed by virtue of the position he or she holds and that this is enshrined in legislation. I do not understand the logic of this being enshrined in legislation. Is it designed to enable the metamorphosis of the HSE into some other organisation by protecting those who have now been appointed? This is my concern. I am sure those individuals who have been appointed would not be afraid to go through an appointments system in which the applicant is assessed on his or her qualifications and experience and other criteria normally used in an interview process so that they could fill the posts when this legislation is passed. That is the issue that needs to be addressed.

On the issue of mental health, it should be stipulated in the Bill that there would be a director for mental health and that the selection process would be open to anyone. This is not to cast any doubt on the ability, or integrity or capability of those appointed under the current system. I do not agree with enshrining the process in legislation.

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