Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is not simple rhetoric. It is borne out by the action plans that have been put in place already. Obviously, we all hear what the Deputy is saying about the particular situation in relation to Ryan and the tragedy that that is. However, make no mistake: we have a Minister of State for the Department of Health focusing on mental health issues and bringing forward plans. We have increased investment. I have said there is difficulty in recruiting staff but every effort is being made to recruit the appropriate staff. That is seen in the huge growth in the CAMHS throughout the country. There are 67 CAMHS teams. Keeping in mind the economic situation that we have faced, if we look back just a number of years, we had nothing like 67 CAMHS teams operating around the country. Some services see people quickly. There are arrangements in place for emergencies. One would hope that young men like Ryan would have been able to access those services. However, we all know that there is further work to be done. The investment is there. I take the Deputy's point about the upcoming budget and the need to continue to prioritise this area in order that people receive help in an appropriate way and that the services link effectively with one another, especially accident and emergency departments and mental health services.

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