Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I take what the Minister of State says, but I am talking about greater co-ordination between Departments. The Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Rabbitte, has given an allocation of €200,000 under a HSE service plan for social farming. Although €2 million was requested, in fairness to the Minister of State, she started the process. That is important. Agriculture has come up to the mark, but it is maybe health and social care. Other Departments need to become involved. This has to be a cross-departmental piece.

I am aware of the value of the initiative. Only recently, I visited Quarryfield in Bunnanaddan near Ballymote in County Sligo where Mr. Gerald Doherty and his family, especially his daughter, Kelly, is very involved in delivering these very valuable services to young people who find themselves in the justice system suffering from mental illness and who generally are vulnerable people with disabilities. I am asking that the Minister of State would do everything in her power to try and ensure greater co-ordination with other Departments.

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