Maria Corrigan (Fianna Fail)

I join with my colleagues in wishing the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, Deputy Brian Cowen, well in his new position as leader of Fianna Fáil. I believe he will not only be good for the party but for Ireland and its people.

I wish to raise my concern in respect of the HSE's commitment to mental health. I do not believe this commitment exists at senior level. I have great regard for the staff who do their utmost to meet needs and I am clear on the Government's commitment to mental health as evidenced by the additional funding allocated to this area in 2006 and 2007. However, if the reply which I received to an Adjournment matter I raised yesterday is accurate it appears no additional services have been provided despite this additional funding.

The reason given by the HSE for not providing these services is that it is obliged to operate within its overall Vote and in this regard it took steps to ensure it met its objectives in 2007 by delaying some of its planning developments including developments in mental health. I do not believe this is acceptable. If the Houses of the Oireachtas approve funding for specific purposes, as indicated in approval of the budget, then that is where the money should be spent. If there is a reason to deviate from this, then, at a minimum, the Oireachtas is deserving of the courtesy of being informed by the HSE that it will not be able to meet its obligation in a particular year. We should not be getting the run-around we have been getting when seeking answers in this regard. While I have raised this matter a number of times including, prior to Christmas, I have not received the response I received last night. That is not acceptable.

On a positive note, I am pleased the HSE has given a commitment that it will deliver in the course of 2008 the additional services it should have provided in 2006 and 2007. I note also that at long last, having published its implementation report, the office of the Minister of State with responsibility for this area has raised concern that the HSE has not set out any long term objectives in terms of mental health services. It is clear that Members of the Dáil and Seanad believe mental health issues are now a priority. I ask that the Leader, as a matter of urgency, invite the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, to come before this House to discuss this matter.