Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

It will be before the committee at Christmas. I imagine the Deputy is aware of and has seen the fine new facilities opened recently in Blanchardstown and more recently in Grangegorman. They are providing vital services to people troubled by mental health issues. Furthermore, we have seen significant change with the opening and building of primary care centres throughout Dublin. Ultimately, as the Deputy is aware, the best way of providing for the needs of people with mental health issues is, at a local level, to prevent people from having to go into hospital as far as we can.

I am satisfied with the ring-fenced budget my colleague, the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, has for this matter in respect of the recruitment of staff, which is ongoing, and the provision of greater facilities. I know Deputy Ellis takes an interest in the matter. He will be aware that issues relating to drugs are a contributory factor in the level of mental health difficulties in Irish society. All of this will be down for debate and consideration in the committee early in the new year.

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