Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senators Ó Ríordáin and Mulherin referred to today's report from the Ombudsman for Children on mental health. We have had debates in the House in the context of the Seanad Public Consultation Committee report. The matter raised is about ensuring that there is investment in mental health and that young people receive out-of-hours treatment, as Senator Mulherin said, for eating disorders. The Government is committed to developing mental health services, which is why we have seen an increase in funding in 2018 to €910 million, including €35 million in the budget for 2018, representing an increase since 2012 of €200 million. We have also seen an improvement in counselling services through Jigsaw in Dublin, Cork and Limerick. It is important to recognise that we have seen the recruitment to different psychologist and assistant psychologist posts. The point made by the Minister of State with responsibility for mental health services, Deputy Jim Daly, is one on which we must continue to maintain our focus in CAMHS. It is about intervention. We must fix the system. As the Minister of State has said repeatedly, it is often the case that a lower level of intervention is needed, which can be provided, rather than an intervention from a clinical psychologist. The Minister of State is committed to fixing the system and there has been an increase in investment. It is a matter on which we need to continue to work.

I congratulate Senator Horkan on his intervention on the Order of Business this morning on the publication of certain allegations that Ireland is a tax haven. There are some academics, political commentators and politicians who would love to see us closed down for business completely. They do not want to see any foreign direct investment or any jobs created. The Senator is right and I commend every word he said. It is important to have a realistic debate on this subject which reflects the importance of foreign direct investment here. The IDA published a report yesterday and should be commended for the work it undertakes on our behalf. I welcome also the Senator's comment on national bike week and his comment on men's health week, which is very important. As an eminent GP, Senator Swanick will concur with Senator Horkan's view that men's health week is important. Men need to talk about their health, need to be checked out and need to get themselves looked after. I concur with the Senator on that.

Senator Ó Ríordáin also referred to the late Gavin Coyne and treatment abroad. It is important to continue to review the issue of treatment abroad which is a very important part of our health system. I agree completely with the Senator that mental health is a real health issue.

Senator Paul Daly raised the very important matter of farm-to-farm movement certificates. I would be happy to have the Minister come to the House to discuss that issue. The advice of the Cathaoirleach that it might be more appropriate to raise the issue as a Commencement matter was very helpful.

Senator Devine referred to the public service pay stability agreement, which is an important matter for the Government. The Minister is committed to ensuring with the unions that there is a growth in wages. We have seen public service recruitment in a variety of areas, including education, health and An Garda Síochána. I will get the information for the Senator, albeit she sometimes does not want to hear good news.