Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will agree with the Deputy on that. In order to implement A Vision for Change, we need to continue to increase our funding. That is a commitment this Government has given and, for me, it is a commitment it has honoured. However, we know that is not possible over one budget but that it will be implemented over the course of the next three to five years. The Deputy will agree that it includes not just spending on revenue but also capital spending. If we are to bring ourselves in line with A Vision for Change, we need to improve our services and facilities, and where we provide those services.

The central mental hospital was built in 1850 as a lunatic asylum but we still house people there. In order to bring ourselves into line with A Vision for Change, we need to begin the construction of the new forensic hospital and the €50 million will allow that to happen next year. We will increase spending next year with €35 million of new developments to be initiated. The focus will be on capital and ensuring that the new forensic hospital is started.

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