James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As I outlined previously in tandem with the proposed new governance structure, new administrative structures will be put in place within the HSE to reflect the need for a greater operational management focus on the delivery of key services and greater transparency about funding service delivery and accountability. Planned new national director posts include a director of mental health services for the first time, and these planned posts are not a legislative matter and are separate from the Bill. Given the overall structure of the Bill and its purpose, which is to abolish the board of the HSE, I hope Senators will appreciate that it will not be possible to accept this amendment which relates to an administrative and not a legal issue.

I emphasise the importance of mental health and the importance the Government places on it, hence a planned new director of mental health services who will be a national director and be on the directorate of seven people. That speaks for itself in terms of the importance we place on mental health. To mix up what is an administrative matter with a legislative matter would be wrong. I do not propose to accept the amendment. I hope the Senator can understand that.