Kathleen O'Meara (Labour)

On one level, I was pleased that "Prime Time Investigates" chose to take up the issue of youth mental health and to expose clearly and powerfully the extraordinary deficiencies in the system as well as their impact on many children. It also displayed the Government's ineffectiveness and specifically that of the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, Deputy Tim O'Malley, who has been charged with responsibility for this area. While fine reports have been produced under his watch, virtually nothing has happened subsequently and last night's programme showed the consequences.

The Minister of State should resign because of his ineffectiveness and because of his ham-fisted attempt to cover it up with the extraordinary charge that professionals who work in the system are deliberately creating waiting lists. This is unbelievable. I have spoken to professionals in this field, both in my own locality and beyond, who having worked so hard are burned out. Such professionals are frustrated by the shortages in the system. They are obliged to see children and families every day to tell them how long they must wait and subsequently witness the consequences for those children and their families.

The Minister of State should resign because his reaction to this matter. His response to this serious issue, about which he is familiar, has been nothing short of scandalous. This House must have a debate on this matter as soon as possible. It cannot wait because it is urgent for too many people and I ask the Leader to arrange such a debate as soon as possible.