James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputies opposite for their contributions. On the amendment, when performing their functions as members of the directorate, appointed directors will be acting 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 indicated on Committee Stage it is not feasible for me to accept this amendment with the specificity it involves which means singling out one service area, however vital. I am very happy to place on the record of the House that it is my view and it has been my view for many years that mental health services have been the Cinderella of the health services. I have often remarked upon the fact that the institution known as St. Ita's was put at the end of a peninsula and the original design was for it to be put on Lambay Island but this proved too expensive. It was a case of out of sight, out of mind. All of our health policy is aimed at destigmatising the issues around mental health and ensuring that the treatments take place in the same locations as all other health care provision, in primary care centres and in hospitals. These large institutions from the Victorian era should be closed.

I am happy to state that my intention is to appoint a new national director of mental health as a member of the HSE directorate. As I said on Committee Stage, I fully understand the good intentions and the reasons for this amendment and I share the Deputy's view on the importance of mental health services. However, as I have explained, I will not be in a position to accept the amendment and I ask the Deputy to consider withdrawing it.

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