Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)

I strongly support the view expressed by my colleague, Senator Feeney, who has articulated what is a widespread view. I would hate people outside the House to think that we have only raised these issues in a knee-jerk reaction to last night's television programme. Sometimes, especially at this time of year — we all know that in terms of national issues, timing is everything, not just in politics — a programme like that shown last night should and does act as a catalyst to getting something done. Senator Feeney's point was well made. I urge the Leader to make time available before Christmas for a debate on mental health.

The issue raised by Senator Phelan must also be addressed. I have personal experience in this area because I have a daughter under the age of 18 with special needs. We have found the support services in the north west to be superb, but I appreciate there may be inconsistencies as a result of the changes referred to by Senator Phelan. I was opposed to those changes because I saw the possibility that there could be a reduction or withdrawal of resources for special needs assistance. That has not been my experience, but that does not mean it does not happen. Therefore, we should have a debate on the issue.

I hope that the framing of a motion in that context will take account of people over 18 with special needs, a threshold we are close to with our daughter. Increasingly parents have said to me that while support services are excellent for children up to 18, once these children become adults, the services are patchy, inconsistent, inadequate and under-resourced. We need a debate that will encompass all those issues.