Déirdre de Búrca (Green Party)

There are sufficient public concerns to justify our seeking a strong response from the Minister for Foreign Affairs. I call for him to come to the House in the new year and for further debate. We must ensure systems are put in place that will reassure people the practice does not continue and that Shannon Airport is not used for this purpose.

There are concerns among non-governmental organisations and other groups working in the health area that insufficient funding is available for the coming year to ensure the proper implementation of the recommendations of A Vision For Change. Mental health services have been the poor cousin of the health services for many years, but there is a growing awareness of the prevalence of mental health problems and the need for proper community-based responses. Will the Leader invite the Minister for Health and Children to the House in the new year to discuss in detail the issue of the funding of the strategy document, A Vision For Change?