Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The programme for Government, the supply and confidence agreement and A Vision for Change all refer to improving 24 hour service support and liaison teams for mental health in primary and emergency care. Last year the HR director of the HSE wrote to all nursing graduates to say that permanent contracts would be put in place. However, mental health nurse graduates are not being recruited on permanent contracts. I ask that the Tánaiste consider that in the context of the commitment in the programme for Government to ensuring there is adequate support and services for mental health nurses in primary care teams and emergency care teams.

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