Cecilia Keaveney (Fianna Fail)

I attended a seminar about music and the brain held in the National Concert Hall last Saturday. The three contributors were all caught by the volcanic ash and yet two of the three were able to contribute by means of the advances in science of the webcam. They were able to take questions from the audience of almost 500 people. I ask for a debate between now and the end of this session about music therapy. Music therapy is a clinical intervention which is recognised throughout the world to be as effective as other therapies such as speech and language therapy, physiotherapy and occupational therapy. While a degree course in music therapy is available in the University of Limerick, music therapy is not professionally recognised under the health professionals Bill and therefore people are not given the same remuneration or respect they deserve. Music therapy can bring speech back to certain stroke victims and can have a positive impact on mental health. It can be used to support people with Alzheimer's and can help people with motor issues. Funding for issues concerning social exclusion will be announced today. Music therapy can play a vital role in mother and child bonding which is a key starting point for social inclusion. I ask the Leader to ask the Minister for Health and Children and the Minister of State with responsibility for mental health, who has done a lot of work in this field, to ponder the question raised on Saturday which is at what level of evidence will it become negligent not to prescribe music therapy. That is the level we are at which is why it is important we discuss this most urgent issue.