Rónán Mullen (Independent)

First, I am glad that Senators O'Toole and Ó Murchú again referred to Foinse. Yesterday, I stressed its importance to the intellectual life of this country. The word "foinse" means "source" and that newspaper has been, is and must be a source of important debate. It is vital that current affairs are discussed through the medium of Irish in the broadcasting and print media. This is an important feature of the cultural life of this country and the Government must see it in this way.

Just as important is the issue of money to be spent on services for children with disabilities and mental health problems. It was reported yesterday that more than €100 million that was reserved for such spending has not been spent. The Leader should bring the Minister before the House to assure Members that the unspent €100 million of funds for suicide prevention programmes, services for children with mental health problems and disability assessments for children of school-going age will not be allocated elsewhere but will be committed to such areas.