Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will answer as many of the Deputies' questions as I can in the time available and I will write to the Deputies on the other two queries.

On Deputy James Browne's question on A Vision for Change, I have heard very clearly the calls on a cross-party basis in this House for the publication of the refreshed A Vision for Change. It is my intention to bring it to the Cabinet this week, I hope this evening, with a view to my colleague Minister of State, Jim Daly, briefing the advocacy groups early next week and publishing the document next week. It will be for approval by Government this week for publishing next week. It will be a matter for the new Government to implement it, but I believe it makes sense. Colleagues in this House persuaded me of that also. The cross-departmental piece falls into that also. When talking to Mental Health Reform and others, it is very important that whatever structure we put in place links in with A Vision for Change.

I note Deputy Niamh Smyth's comments on screening and I will write to her on that. I note also her comments on funerals. I hope that as we move to phase 2 next week, we might be able to see if there is something we can do to increase, even in a slight way, the number of people who can attend funerals. Deputy Kelly raised the issue here last week also.

On Cavan General Hospital, I will send Deputy Smyth a note and the statistics for Cavan and Monaghan. I believe there are a number of reasons, as opposed to any one reason, a county can see spikes at certain times. I will write to the Deputy on those items this week.

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