Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am very much aware of the remarks made by the Senator. We have heard them. I want to put the matter in context. As I said, the Government is committed to increasing the mental health budget. The Vote for the Department of Health is passed to give money directly to the HSE for the provision of services.I recognise there is a need to improve our mental health services and provide more funding for them. I am not arguing that point. There has been a timelag in the taking up of different posts but the Senator and others need to recognise that the budget for our mental health services has been increased. The Minister of State, Deputy McEntee, is committed to implementing that and to seeing those services develop and evolve in the coming years.

Regarding the provision of a closed circuit television, CCTV, system for Carlow, I would be happy to arrange for the Minister concerned to liaise with Senator Murnane O'Connor. Perhaps the Senator and Deputy Deering might come together in a joint collaborative approach with the county councillors.