Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It is noticeable that the Minister of State failed to outline the funding for 2016 and 2017, which was cut. It was cut because of what happened in Console. Rightly the Department had to ensure that State money that was being allocated was going to help the people who needed it.

Good2Talk is governed by a board of directors. It complies with the CRA requirements. It works within clear guidelines, policies and procedures, working towards transparency and accountability. Its accounts are audited every year and presented at its AGM. Its clinical work is guided by best-practice guidelines and ethical guidelines of the IACP. In 2013 it dealt with 167 clients; in 2014 it dealt with 397 clients; in 2015 it dealt with 480 clients; in 2016 it dealt with 444 clients; and this year it has dealt with approximately 485 clients. It is dealing with people who need help and it is filling a gap the HSE is leaving wide open. It needs to know if it will be eligible and in receipt of much-needed State funding for 2018.

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