Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

I, too, join with those who call for a debate on mental health. Last night's programme highlighted not only the worrying scope and extent of the problem but also the waiting lists which seem to be so difficult to access. Whatever the truth of that, it should be thrashed out in the House. Senator Norris made the point succinctly that at a time of tremendous affluence there appears to be much more mental health problems than in times of abject poverty in the past. The societal reasons should be identified and the problem needs to be tackled as a matter of urgency.

It is not a case of lack of funding because it was announced yesterday that more than €10 billion in revenue was received by the State in November. It is more a case of the output of the public service at all levels. There should be a separate debate on the vested interests within the health services and in other areas and on the ongoing negotiations with the hospital consultants. The time has come for the State and its apparatus to take control of our public services and to ensure those who work in it give value for money. If we do not succeed in doing this, we are doing a disservice to the taxpayer who is paying heavily for services which are not commensurate with the amount of tax being paid.