Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising the matter. There is no doubt the restoration of the mental health budget is universally welcomed, if one listens to the debate here. It puts the Minister of State, Deputy McEntee, in a position to develop a programme and it will obviously include recruitment of staff. As the Deputy notes, it can also consider other areas. I know the Minister of State, Deputy McEntee, will develop her plan to respond with this additional resource where I know the need is huge. There is no doubt about that. It is hoped the heads of the health transport Bill referred to by the Deputy will be available in July.

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