Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

We tried to have this raised as a topical issue in July and as our chance has been quite a while coming, I am grateful for the opportunity to discuss the matter today. I am glad that the Minister is here to discuss it.

In 2008 we were told that one in seven people had a mental health issue. We know recent figures suggest the number is now one in four. A recent report from Headstrong indicates that almost one third of young people are experiencing mental distress. We all experience some mental distress, but it is much more severe for some people and we need services to help such individuals.

The cross-party group in the Oireachtas is made up of representatives from all of the political parties. I am the Independents' representative. We have made our own pre-budget submission which I am sure has been passed to the Minister. Such action is indicative of the seriousness of the issue and the way in which we are treating it, regardless of our political background. Supporting the mental health of the population before it reaches crisis point makes very good economic sense.

The crux of the issue is that 414 staff were promised for recruitment in 2012, as well as 477 in 2013. The numbers look fabulous on paper and they amount to almost 900 posts. Nevertheless, it was alarming to read in the July HSE staff census that the net increase between December 2012 and July 2013 was just 192. I raised an aspect of this matter as a topical issue in March when the Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Deputy Brian Hayes, indicated that the HSE aimed to fill the remaining posts by the end of March 2013, but that has not happened.

What is the net increase in the number of posts? Of the 414 and 477 posts, how many mental health service posts are being taken up by people who were previously employed in mental health services? Who is doing their work if they are to be moved to a new post? We know what the ideal composition is of community mental health teams.

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