Michael Mullins (Fine Gael)

I was not listed to speak but I want to make a few comments. I join in welcoming the Minister of State. Everybody in the House agrees that she is a reforming, committed Minister of State who will do a fantastic job. I also acknowledge the fine work done over the years by the previous Minister of State, Mr. John Moloney. I was fortunate to meet him on several occasions in Ballinasloe in regard to mental health issues.

The strategy in A Vision for Change is enlightened. Our only concern is the slow pace in implementation of all of its fine recommendations. I come from a town that had a psychiatric hospital which a few short years ago had close to 2,000 patients. Very few people knew what exactly what happened there. Many of the patients should not have been there in the first place. They were there for all sorts of reasons, something to which other Senators referred. Many of them are living in the community today, supported by wonderful HSE staff, and live normal and fulfilling lives. I have had the pleasure of being at many functions over the years in which they actively participated. They are very much part of the community and are welcomed into it. We want to see that development continue.

Several Senators have raised the issue of suicide. We all want to make sure that resources are made available to assist people who are suffering from depression and in danger of taking their lives or causing themselves harm. I would be concerned that in a time of economic difficulty like that which we are currently experiencing the resources required will not be made available. I join other Senators in calling for resources to be ring-fenced for this area. We are dealing with the most vulnerable sections of our community and we all want to make sure they are given priority.

Other Senators spoke about the difficulties associated with alcohol and alcohol-induced illnesses. In my town a fine unit was attached to St. Brigid's Hospital in Ballinasloe. It was probably one of the best addiction units in the country with high success rates. Many people I worked with over the years were referred to the unit. I was a personnel officer in a manufacturing company and know of many people who came through the institution, returned to work and lived full lives. The old health board, in its wisdom, decided to close the unit and facilities were not put in place to replace it.

People who can afford to go to private institutions for treatment for alcohol addiction are looked after. However, I have represented many people over the years in my town who cannot afford to go to such facilities. The unit to which I referred was available to help people and brought them back from the brink. It enabled them to live full lives. Many people are now in dire situations, living rough and drinking outdoors on benches around the town. If the unit was open those people would not be in difficulty.

If the Minister of State disposes of buildings, particularly those in Ballinasloe, she should ensure that the moneys are ring-fenced for investment in mental health services. I know it is not a good time to talk about disposing of buildings, but I hope that when the market improves in a couple of years the moneys realised from the sale of those assets will be ring-fenced for mental health services.

I again wish the Minister of State well. I have every confidence that she is the person for the job. I know of her commitment over the years when she was in Opposition. She will relish the opportunity in Government to put many of her ideas to work.