Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The Senator raised a matter that was discussed in the House last week. There are several issues to address concerning mental health services in County Roscommon. I am in the process of compiling a list of the more than 50 new posts we have put in place there. I am gathering both names and locations because I am constantly being told these appointments were not made. When that information is available to me, which will be in the very near future, I will supply it to the Senator and everyone else. Senator John Kelly also raised the issue with me.

I will be bringing in the people who are saying this is not happening and, if needs be, I also will bring in the more than 50 additional staff we have put in post. The only further comment I will make is that sometimes a service is used to achieve other aims. Senator Leyden should know that more than most because he has seen it happening for long enough. Sometimes, too, we politicians allow ourselves to be used. I have been there myself and am not placing that blame on anyone's door. It is necessary to put this matter to bed once and for all. Equally, it is necessary to reassure people who are in need of the service that both management and the staff who deliver the service are competent and capable people working for the good of patients, not for the good of other agendas.