Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I do not agree with the Deputy's analysis or with how he looks at everything being less ten years on. The €200 million increase in the mental health budget is very substantial and I challenge the Deputy to point to any other area the Government is in charge of that experienced an equivalent pro rataincrease during the recession the State has endured.

On the more substantive issue of mental health, it is a very narrow definition. I know the Deputy likes to engage in these narrow, focused analytics. The issue of mental health is not just a function of the Department of Health, it also comes within the ambit of the Departments of Education and Skills, Justice and Equality, and Children and Youth Affairs. Mental health is being addressed across a range of Departments and money is being spent. Comparing the percentage of the mental health budget with the overall health budget is wrong.

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