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

We have to give the Mental Health Commission time because it knows what we want it to do. That is why commencement will not take place for six months. The Mental Health Commission submits its budget every year in the same way as does any Department of Government. It has done it for this year and the funding will be distributed accordingly. The additional funding will have to be negotiated but we know it will cost extra money and additional staff will be needed. When the Mental Health Commission submits its budget every year, that will be part of it, and the commission is good at this. There has been a significant change in respect of tribunals, which will be appreciated. We have to ensure the funding is in place so that it works efficiently. I hope this will be an active section in terms of information, education and advice. I hope there will not be so much activity in the way of complaints but that it will be very active in the scrutiny of decision making and agreements. There is no question about the money being made available, as it is something we have to do if we are serious about this legislation.