Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)

Yesterday I raised the issue of men's health and mental health and I revisit it again today in light of the case in which Judge David Anderson criticised the Health Service Executive. It is time we had a major debate on the functioning of the HSE. Yesterday, Judge Anderson criticised the dysfunctional HSE after it failed to have a representative at his court. We were promised action with A Vision for Change. Mental health is an issue that concerns every one of us and if it does not, it should. If the HSE can treat that young man, who is facing 27 charges and has no access to care or treatment, in that way, it will happen to other people in society. We were given a promise with A Vision for Change but there has not been any action.

I am led to believe there have been cutbacks regarding the implementation of A Vision for Change. I ask the Leader for a debate on mental health and on the HSE because there does not appear to be any accountability. On occasion the Cathaoirleach, as is his right, has ruled health matters out of order on the Adjournment because they are the responsibility of the HSE. Who is it accountable to ultimately and when can we get answers?