Colm Keaveney (Galway East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I do not disagree with the previous speakers about the strategy on the amalgamation of quangos or the merging of one into the other. I do not feel it addresses the spirit of the legislation either. It would be best served in this debate if we all declared submissions made on the legislation. We all receive objections to legislation and amendments but we rarely see correspondence of support stating a proposal would work and is good. There is a disproportionate perception because one receives a quantum of disagreement on one proposal but there is silence on the other side of the debate. It would be helpful if the Minister of State would comment on that.

It would also be helpful if she would categorically declare that there will be a strategic review of the role of the Mental Health Commission. Again, like Pádraig Deputy Mac Lochlainn, I do not dispute its independence. It is the appropriate location for this agency, based on its expertise, culture, resources, understanding, language and empathy. I am not too sure about setting up a new, distinct, stand-alone agency when we already have an independent stand-alone with expertise in this area. It is a point of difference but it is important for this aspect of the debate that the Minister of State gives some hope around the issue of the role of the Mental Health Commission. We all agree it is independent; there is no dispute about that. However, how will it fit in best and what is the long-term review for it in the context of the concerns raised?

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