Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

We were given a copy of the Supplementary Estimates for the end of the year today. Will the Taoiseach explain the astonishing decision not to provide additional funding for health? Will a further Supplementary Estimate be introduced for health? If not, how will the €35 million promised for mental health be provided? In the context of our earlier discussion of mental health services, how will it be possible to address the suicide crisis in Cork disclosed in the Irish Examinerthis morning without additional funding?

We have a ridiculous situation in the Department of Health with one senior Minister and four Ministers of State.

See this speech in context