Kathleen O'Meara (Labour)

Like Senator Brian Hayes, I pay tribute to the work done last night by Garda and fire brigade personnel throughout the country. They managed the events of Hallowe'en in a very effective manner. I would like to pick up on the point made by Senator Hayes about fireworks. It is time to review the legislation on fireworks. I am involved with a community arts festival in Nenagh, which organised a community event with fireworks last night. The event, which was very popular and well-managed, was run voluntarily with support from the arts fund of the local authority. It is a useful example of how problems can be avoided in a family-oriented and safe manner.

I also pay tribute to the work of the Garda Síochána last weekend, which ensured that we are not referring today to road deaths in the way we have had to do on more than one occasion. Thankfully, the number of road deaths this weekend was not as high as we feared it might be. I do not doubt that the low level of fatalities can be attributed to the work of the Garda. One would also hope that the message is finally getting through in that regard.

I ask the Leader of the House for a debate on an aspect of our health care system. I am aware that the House will consider the Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2006 tomorrow and that the Minister intends to introduce amendments in respect of various issues. It is clear from recent reports that some existing mental health legislation will come into force today.

We need to consider the mental health of young people and the provision of psychiatric services for young people, including children. The Minister of State, Deputy Tim O'Malley, has said that another two and a half years will pass before the level of service that is needed for young people will be fully in place. He considers that to be a satisfactory position, but I do not agree with him. Given the implications of that delay for young people, their families and their communities in particular, we need to ensure that psychiatric and mental health issues and the mental health needs of young people and children are placed at the top of the Government's agenda as a matter of urgency.