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

I thank both Members for raising this important issue. It is emotive, particularly at this time of year as some children leave the school system and others enter examinations year. Intellectual disability is also to the fore given the issues parents face about the placement of their children in the adult services when they leave school. I had a conversation with a departmental official earlier who said that the issue is well on the way to resolution. I acknowledge it is not particularly related to the matter raised but it is of growing concern to many people.

Deputy Harris said this is an issue on which we all agree and I hope it will not be the only one. I hope we all agree to fight tobacco and put that issue out of harm's way from the point of view of the next generation of children. The payback for that will be three decades away but it will be enormous. There is a walk for Aware starting from outside the House tomorrow week and going to Ashbourne, County Meath. I invite as many Deputies, Senators and staff as possible to join us on that walk.

Deputy O'Sullivan asked how much of the €35 million allocation was spent on mental health services. My understanding is it was all spent on these services. She also asked a reasonable question about the number of people transferred from institutional care to the community. I cannot answer the question but I will revert to her or I will ensure the Minister of State, Deputy Lynch, does because I am interested in this important issue.

Deputy Harris raised the issue of addressing mental health issues on the school curriculum. I concur with him and I will raise it with the Ministers for Children and Youth Affairs and Education and Skills. This is the first Government to appoint at principal officer level a civil servant to address issues such as intellectual disability, autism and obesity across my Department and those two Departments.

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