Mary Butler
Waterford · Fianna Fáil · Ireland
“Major improvements are happening across services: enhanced access to proactive and preventive healthcare to support a better quality of life; the embedding and upscaling of women's health initiatives put in place through the implementation of the previous women's health action plans, including, as the Senator knows, free contraception, sp…”
“In relation to any proposal, a proposal for a new location requires a detailed business case, a premises, support from the regional HSE management, and the necessary funding to resource the staffing of the service. That is where I come into it and what I will be trying to do.”
“We are currently working closely with it to support the expansion of Jigsaw services to Waterford and the south east, as well as to County Clare. The location of Waterford was picked because we have no services in the south east at all. It is great that we will have the hub and spoke model the Senator spoke about.”
“That is where I do not agree with the Senator. I believe €180 million of funding ring-fenced for women's health, when we have come from a low base, is absolutely unbelievable.”
“The plan will build on our knowledge of women's health through research and innovation and will spotlight important areas such as endometriosis and cardiovascular health. Recently, the Minister announced €2 million in funding for women's health research.”
“This plan will continue to focus on how we can improve access to specialist endometriosis care and treatment. As the Senator knows, we have established two super-regional specialist centres, one in Tallaght University Hospital and another in Cork, alongside the development of five regional endometriosis hubs.”
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“I am satisfied with the five years. The whole Bill will not all be enacted on the same day. I expect the parts of it regarding the governance of CAMHS and community premises to come first. The changeover in age verification and the piece in regard to voluntary detention and the Garda may take longer until we have all the authorised officers in place. To set a definitive timeline of two and half years is not appropriate when some parts of the service might only have been up and running for six months. That is why we landed on the period of up to five years as against the ten years that was in the original draft. That is the reasoning behind it.”
“I am not sure whether we would be able to deliver a meaningful review after two and a half years. However, section 8 of the Bill, which we have already voted on, provides for a review to take place not later than five years after commencement, which means the review can take place at any time within the five-year period. Therefore, I think it is already covered.”
“I thank Deputy Clarke for the amendment. Section 8 of the Bill provides for a review of the operation of this enactment five years after its commencement. If it is necessary for a review to be carried out sooner than five years after the commencement of this enactment, that option will be available to the Government of the day. Section 8 of the Bill provides for a review to take place not later than five years after commencement. This means that the review may take place at any time within the five-year period if it is the wish of the Minister of the day; that is my understanding. I believe we will need significant time for the legislation to bed in across the mental health services and there will be a significant lead-in time, as we have discussed.”
“I move amendment No. 8: In page 21, lines 4 and 5, to delete “Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform” and substitute “Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation”. The amendments in this grouping are all technical amendments relating to changes required to ministerial titles previously used in the Bill. These amendments update the titles of the Ministers for justice, children and public expenditure.”
“I would not call the wording archaic but, because 90% of mental health service provision in Ireland is in communities and those people would have mental health illness and mental health difficulties, the term "mental health disorder" is more appropriate for those who are involuntarily detained or even voluntarily detained.”
“It is important there is a legal distinction between a mental health difficulty and a more severe and enduring mental disorder. While any term used to describe mental health conditions may be contested, I do not believe the alternatives to "mental disorder" proposed here on Committee Stage are the better options. I am not opposed to using a term other than "mental disorder", however, if a suitable alternative is proposed. I do not believe "psychosocial disability" or "mental health difficulty" are better options. At the same time, when we get to the Seanad with this Bill, if a wording other than "mental health disorder" is proposed, I will certainly consider it but I do not believe either of the two suggested on Committee Stage and now on Report Stage are right either. I know it is complicated.”
“I do not intend to rehearse the extensive debate on similar amendments which Deputy Clarke raised on Committee Stage. I acknowledge the amendment tabled by Deputy Quaide. I already moved the Government amendment on Committee Stage to amend the definition of "mental disorder" by inserting references to "serious" and "significant" in the definition to address concerns the definition was too broad. It is important to ensure there is a legal distinction between the type of condition that is more severe and enduring and may lead to involuntary admission, and other mental health difficulties which may require treatment but will not lead to involuntary admission. More than 90% of mental health service provision is in the community and the term "mental health difficulty" is often used in the context of people accessing those services.”
“The development of primary care infrastructure in County Laois is progressing. The Deputy Aird is correct that we want to bring the right care at the right time as close to home as possible. I will pass on his concerns to the Minister.”
“The HSE also tells me that there are no general medical services GP vacancies in County Louth. As we know, when a vacancy arises, the HSE actively recruits. I have a couple of positives for the Deputy. The new locum support initiative has commenced, which provides GPs in receipt of rural practice supports with access to a streamlined local recruitment service. This initiative is initially focusing on supporting the more than 130 single-handed GPs working in isolated areas. I will bring his concerns back to the Minister and he will probably discuss with her the primary care centre in Rathdowney. It is positive that we are going to see an extension of the service in the existing primary care centre. The site is big enough for that to happen and the extension of services can happen much quicker. I know that from my own experience.”
“I thank the Deputy very much for raising the issue of rural GP practices in County Laois. He said a site has not been identified for a primary care centre in Rathdowney. That is normal. It is because it is commercially sensitive. If the HSE has not purchased a site, it could drive up prices. I have seen the exact same situation in Lismore in County Waterford, where a site was not identified in advance of the agreement being made on the operation of the lease mechanism. People on the ground probably know where the site is located.”
“This follows a reassessment of service needs, which indicated that the existing HSE-owned site could accommodate the service needs of the area. I expect the extension will be delivered much quicker than a primary care centre.”
“It is intended that the PCC in Rathdowney will be delivered via the operational lease mechanism. In 2024, the HSE sought expressions of interest for this development and several valid tender submissions were received. The HSE is currently working through the tender assessments and internal approvals processes. Once this process is complete and all approvals are received, the successful tenderer will be notified which will allow for progression through the design and planning stages in 2025. The HSE Capital Plan 2025 includes funding to progress designs for the provision of primary care services in Mountrath. The HSE has advised that the current plans for Mountrath include the redevelopment of the existing Mountrath Health Centre site, including an extension and refurbishment of the existing building.”
“The initiative is initially focusing on supporting the more than 130 single-handed GPs working in isolated areas. That has just commenced. At present there are no GMS GP vacancies in County Laois. Where a vacancy arises, the HSE actively recruits for a replacement GP while providing for the continuity of services. Regarding the provision of primary care services, we are making steady progress on the development of primary care infrastructure in County Laois, which is currently served by primary care centres, PCCs, in Mountmellick and Portarlington with two further PCCs under development in Portlaoise and Rathdowney. I know the Deputy is particularly concerned with service provision in Mountrath and Rathdowney and I am happy to advise the following in their regard.”
“The agreements provide, among other things, for increased GP fees and practice supports, including a 10% increase to rural practice supports and increases to supports for staff capacity. We are conscious of the challenges in rural areas. The number of new entrant GP training places has been increased by 80% from 2019 to 2024, with 350 new entrant places available since last year. I accept they take time to come through the system, but there is a huge improvement. Furthermore, recruitment of GPs from abroad continues under the international medical graduates, IMG, programme, whose placement is targeted to underserved areas. Just recently, a new locum support initiative commenced, providing GPs in receipt of rural practice supports with access to a streamlined locum recruitment service.”
“Currently, almost 3,200 GPs hold at least one HSE contract, including roughly 2,600 GPs who hold a general medical services, GMS, contract for the provision of care. As private practitioners, GPs themselves determine the location they practice from, which can be difficult. However, in addition to undertaking to increase the overall number of GPs practising in the State, the Government is committed to ensuring that services are available throughout the country on an equitable basis, and in particular to supporting GP practices in rural and underserved areas. Significantly increased investment in general practice has been provided for under the 2019 and 2023 GP agreements.”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Teachta. I thank the Deputy for his question about primary care provision for Rathdowney and Mountrath. I am taking this question on behalf of the Minister for Health, Deputy Carroll MacNeill. He raised a couple of matters: plans for succession in GP practices, challenges in rural Laois and the primary care centres in Mountrath and Rathdowney. I will do my best to address all of those issues. As the Deputy will be aware, timely access to GP and primary care services is vital for the successful delivery of our healthcare service. They are our first port of call. In regard to general practice, as he will also be aware, GPs are private practitioners, most of whom hold contracts with the HSE for the provision of public health services.”
“As the Deputy will understand, the HSE is working in partnership with all relevant stakeholders in the community in the design and delivery of mental health services to achieve positive outcomes for all and it would not be positive to close this service or to move it.”
“I am glad there are services in Killorglin because I would be disappointed if there were not. My understanding is that the HSE manager is actively engaging with all relevant stakeholders to facilitate accommodation that meets the needs of both services, the National Ambulance Service and, of course, the mental health supports, including the outpatient psychiatric facilities that support very vulnerable people. It is my understanding that while there are plans to locate a facility for the National Ambulance Service in Cahersiveen, that is not expected to result in community mental health services in the area having to move. I understand these services are well embedded in the community and I will continue to engage with the HSE in the Cork-Kerry HSE area.”
“From what I am hearing, though, I am also conscious that the services are in Cahersiveen and Killorglin is not served by this service. Perhaps this is something I need to look at. I want to deliver mental health services for all people regardless of what area of County Kerry they live in. The Deputy seems to be focused on just one area.”
“Is the Deputy telling me he only represents the people of Cahersiveen and not the people of Killorglin? It is important to have mental health supports everywhere. I understand clarity on this matter is currently being addressed, with a senior HSE manager actively engaging with all relevant stakeholders to facilitate accommodation that meets the needs of both services. It is important we deliver both services. As the Deputy can appreciate, having a suitable location for the National Ambulance Service to be able to serve the people of Cahersiveen and the surrounding area is incredibly important, and it is my understanding this is being achieved without any changes to the location of community mental health services.”
“In relation to the issue highlighted by the Deputy, the HSE has provided an update that there was a requirement to identify a more suitable location for the National Ambulance Service in the region - and we all understand how important the National Ambulance Service is, especially in remote and rural areas - to better support its operational needs and enhance service delivery for people in the region. A potential space has been identified by the HSE alongside the mental health services in Cahersiveen. We must again go back to the point that it is extremely important that we can provide the whole continuum of health supports as close to home for people as possible. The HSE has informed my Department that there are no plans to relocate the mental health services at Cahersiveen to Killorglin. I am a little confused, though.”
“I thank the Deputy for raising this matter. As he will be aware, operational responsibility for the delivery of mental health services at local level is devolved directly to the relevant HSE regional health area, RHA, which in this case is the HSE South West RHA, and across all areas. I am aware, of course, that the HSE always aims to work in partnership with all relevant stakeholders in the community in the design and delivery of mental health services to achieve positive outcomes for all.”
“It is not a question-and-answer session. While I was walking across to the Chamber, I was struck by how ironic it is that I am the first ever Minister of State with special responsibility for mental health at Cabinet, and the Deputy is trying to remove me, while here he is today asking me to come forward and find a solution for him. I was just struck by how ironic it is.”
“I thank the Cathaoirleach Gníomhach, Deputy Farrelly, for being in the Chair again. He is a regular on a Wednesday morning and it is much appreciated. I am surprised Deputy Daly is here because I thought he would be on his way to the High Court.”
“I move: That the proposal that Dáil Éireann approves the following Regulations in draft: Planning and Development (Street Furniture Fees) Regulations 2025, a copy of which has been laid in draft form before Dáil Éireann on 4th July, 2025, be referred to the Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage, in accordance with Standing Order 103(5), which, not later than 16th July, 2025, shall send a message to the Dáil in the manner prescribed in Standing Order 110, and Standing Order 109(2) shall accordingly apply.”
“I thank the Ceann Comhairle very much. I acknowledge the comments from the various Whips. We have a very busy schedule this week with several items of legislation to conclude. For example, just this afternoon, the Minister for housing will be in the House for three and a half hours for Second Stage of the Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2025. The Order of Business stands.”
“the Statements on Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence shall not exceed 2 hours and 25 minutes and the order of speaking and allocation of time shall be as follows: (a) the arrangements for the statements, not including the Ministerial response, shall be in accordance with the arrangements contained in the table immediately below (to be read across, not down); (b) following the statements, a Minister or Minister of State shall be called upon to make a statement in reply which shall not exceed 10 minutes; and (c) members may share time. Gov SF Lab Gov SF Mins 25 15 10 10 3 SD Gov SF IPTG Gov Mins 10 10 3 9 10 SF ITG Gov SF OM Mins 3 9 10 3 5”
“the proceedings on the Motion re Data Protection Act 2018 (Section 60(4)) Regulations 2025 shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion after 60 minutes and the following arrangements shall apply thereto: (a) the order of speaking and allocation of time shall be as follows:- opening speech by a Minister or Minister of State – 10 minutes; speeches by representatives of Sinn Féin, the Labour Party, Social Democrats, Independent and Parties Technical Group, and Independent Technical Group – 7.5 minutes per party or group; speeches by Other Members – 7.5 minutes in total; and a speech in response by the Minister – 5 minutes; and (b) members may share time; and 3.”
“and shall in any event be taken on the conclusion of the Statements on Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence, with consequential effect on the commencement time for Second Stage of the Aircraft Noise (Dublin Airport) Regulation (Transfer of Functions) Bill 2024 and on the time for the adjournment of the Dáil; 2.”
“the proceedings on Committee and remaining Stages of the Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2025 shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion after 3 hours by one question which shall be put from the Chair, and which shall, in relation to amendments, include only those set down or accepted by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage. In relation to Thursday's business, it is proposed that: 1. the ordinary routine of business as contained in Schedule 3 to Standing Orders shall be modified to the extent that topical issues may be taken earlier than 7.24 p.m.”
“the proceedings on the amendments from the Seanad to the Supports for Survivors of Residential Institutional Abuse Bill 2024 shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion either at 8.05 p.m. or after 1 hour, whichever is the later, and any amendments from the Seanad not disposed of shall be decided by one question which shall be put from the Chair, and which shall, in relation to amendments to the Seanad amendments, include only those set down or accepted by the Minister for Education and Youth; and 7.”
“and shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion after 90 minutes by one question which shall be put from the Chair, and which shall, in relation to amendments, include only those set down or accepted by the Minister for Health; 5. the proceedings on Report and Final Stages of the Statute Law Revision Bill 2024 [Seanad] shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion after 30 minutes by one question which shall be put from the Chair, and which shall, in relation to amendments, include only those set down or accepted by the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation; 6.”
“the resumed Statements on All Island Strategic Rail Review recommendations shall be taken no earlier than 4.10 p.m. and shall not exceed 55 minutes, and the order of speaking and allocation of time shall be as follows: (a) the speaking slots from the arrangements for the statements from Wednesday, 2nd July, 2025, shall be continued from the point at which they were adjourned; (b) following the statements, a Minister or Minister of State shall be called upon to make a statement in reply which shall not exceed 10 minutes; and (c) members may share time; 4. the proceedings on the Report and Final Stages of the Mental Health Bill 2024 shall be taken no earlier than 4.30 p.m.”
“the Statements and Q&A post European Council meeting of 26th-27th June 2025, pursuant to Standing Order 133, shall not exceed 1 hour and 58.5 minutes, and the order of speaking and allocation of time shall be as follows: (a) the arrangements for the statements, not including the Ministerial response, shall be in accordance with the arrangements contained in the table immediately below (to be read across, not down); (b) following the statements, questions and answers shall be taken for 20 minutes; (c) on the conclusion of the questions and answers, a Minister or Minister of State shall be called upon to make a statement in reply which shall not exceed five minutes; and (d) members may share time; Gov SF Lab Gov SF Mins 15 10 5 9 3.5 SD Gov SF IPTG Gov Mins 5 8 3.5 5 8 SF ITG Gov OM Mins 3.5 5 8 5 3.”
“and shall adjourn on the conclusion of the weekly division time; (b) the Statements and Q&A post European Council meeting of 26th-27th June 2025, pursuant to Standing Order 133, shall be taken at the time when the SOS pursuant to Standing Order 25(1) would normally be taken, and on the conclusion of the Minister’s response to the statements, the sitting shall stand suspended either for one hour or until 4.10 p.m., whichever is the later; and (c) the time allotted for Government Business shall be extended in accordance with the arrangements for that business, with consequential effect on the commencement time for the weekly division time, which may be taken later than 8.45 p.m. and which shall in any event be taken on the conclusion of proceedings on the Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2025; 2.”
“Gov SF Lab Gov SF Mins 20 20 20 12 4 SD Gov SF IPTG Gov Mins 20 12 4 20 12 SF ITG Gov SF OM Mins 4 20 12 4 20 In relation to Wednesday's business, it is proposed that: 1. the ordinary routine of business as contained in Schedule 3 to Standing Orders shall be modified to the following extent: (a) the Dáil may sit later than 9.30 p.m.”
“the proceedings on the Second Stage of the Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2025 shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion after 3 hours and 34 minutes and the following arrangements shall apply thereto: (a) the arrangements for the first speaking round shall be in accordance with those contained in the table immediately below (to be read across, not down); (b) on the conclusion of the first speaking round or where speeches conclude before the 3 hours and 24 minutes have elapsed and no other member is offering, a Minister or Minister of State shall be called upon to make a speech in reply which shall not exceed 10 minutes, whereupon proceedings shall be brought to a conclusion; Provided that any division claimed on the Second Stage proceedings shall be taken immediately prior to Committee Stage on Wednesday; and (c) members may share time.”
“the proceedings on the Motion re Data Protection Act 2018 (Section 60(6)) (Defence Forces Tribunal of Inquiry) Regulations 2025 shall be taken without debate and any division claimed thereon shall be taken immediately; 3. the proceedings on the Motion re Referral to Committee of draft Planning and Development (Street Furniture Fees) Regulations 2025 shall be taken without debate and any division claimed thereon shall be taken immediately; and 4.”
“the ordinary routine of business as contained in Schedule 3 to Standing Orders shall be modified to the following extent: (a) the Dáil may sit later than 10.48 p.m.; (b) the time allotted for Government Business shall be extended in accordance with the arrangements for that business, with consequential effect on the commencement time for private members' business, which may be taken later than 6.12 p.m.; and (c) private members’ time shall in any event be taken on the conclusion of the Second Stage of the Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2025, with consequential effect on the commencement times for the items following in the ordinary routine of business, namely, Parliamentary Questions to the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, and topical issues; 2.”
“or after 1 hour, whichever is the later) - Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2025 (Committee and remaining Stages) (to conclude within 3 hours) Wednesday's private members' business shall be the Motion re Transparency for Supermarket Profits, selected by Social Democrats. Thursday's business shall be: - Motion re Data Protection Act 2018 (Section 60(4)) Regulations 2025 (to conclude within 1 hour) - Statements on Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence (not to exceed 2 hours and 25 minutes) Thursday evening business shall be the Second Stage of the Aircraft Noise (Dublin Airport) Regulation (Transfer of Functions) Bill 2024, sponsored by Deputy Duncan Smith. Proposed Arrangements for this week's business: In relation to Tuesday's business, it is proposed that: 1.”
“Wednesday's business shall be: - Statements and Q&A post European Council meeting of 26th-27th June 2025 (not to exceed 1 hr 33.5 mins, followed by 20 mins Q&A and Ministerial response for 5 mins) - Statements on All Island Strategic Rail Review recommendations (resumed) (to be taken no earlier than 4.10 p.m. and not to exceed 55 minutes) - Mental Health Bill 2024 (Report and Final Stages) (to commence no earlier than 4.30 p.m. and to conclude within 90 minutes) - Statute Law Revision Bill 2024 [Seanad] (Report and Final Stages) (to conclude within 30 minutes) - Supports for Survivors of Residential Institutional Abuse Bill 2024 (Amendments from the Seanad) (if not previously concluded, to conclude either at 8.05 p.m.”
“I move: Tuesday's business shall be: - Motion re Data Protection Act 2018 (Section 60(6)) (Defence Forces Tribunal of Inquiry) Regulations 2025 (without debate and any division claimed to be taken immediately) - Motion re Referral to Committee of draft Planning and Development (Street Furniture Fees) Regulations 2025 (without debate and any division claimed to be taken immediately) - Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2025 (Second Stage) (to conclude within 3 hours and 34 minutes; any division claimed to be taken immediately prior to Committee Stage on Wednesday) Tuesday's private members' business shall be the Motion re Student Fees, selected by Sinn Féin.”
“This is especially the case when we are talking about the new mental health Bill I will be bringing to Report Stage on Wednesday. It is a huge Bill and I am looking forward to bringing it into the Seanad shortly. I will bring this matter back to the Minister and revert to the Senator.”
“Any disease or condition a person, especially a young person, is living with is very difficult. It is difficult for the parents and siblings too because when somebody is ill in the house, everybody is involved. This is the right way. At the same time, though, Crohn's disease is very debilitating and very difficult for a young person to manage. They do not want to have to battle for things such as a medical card. The Department will always welcome any submissions it gets. All the correspondence that comes into the Department is looked at. If the Senator would like to see if the people she mentioned would like to write in, we can 100% facilitate that. I will speak to the Minister about this issue, because, as I said, even the wording I was quoting in my first contribution - regarding the 1975 Act - is no longer appropriate.”
“The group concluded it was not feasible, desirable or ethically justifiable to list medical conditions in priority order for medical card eligibility. In following the expert group’s advice, a person’s means remains the main qualifier for a medical card. In respect of medications, there has also been a focus on reducing costs for families. As we know, the drug payment scheme threshold was €124 per month in 2020. It now stands at €80 per month - a reduction of over 33%. I am not sure if the response addresses the issue the Senator raised in relation to a young person with a disease such as Crohn's disease or other difficult bowel conditions. I will certainly raise this aspect with the Minister to see if there is any consideration that can be given.”
“People who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be eligible for a medical card. Eligibility for a medical card, as we all know, is determined by the HSE, primarily based on an assessment of means. The HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card, even though an applicant exceeds the income guidelines, where he or she faces difficult financial circumstances, such as extra costs arising from illness. There are about 80,000 discretionary medical cards in the mix now. The issue of providing a patient with eligibility on the basis of illness or a disability was previously examined in 2014 by the HSE expert panel on medical need and medical card eligibility.”
“As we are all aware, public inpatient charges in public hospitals have been removed, first for children under 16 years of age in 2022 and then for adult public patients in 2023. We have also focused on reducing costs in primary care, delivering the largest expansion of GP visit cards in 2023 to include children aged six and seven and those earning no more than the median income. We have also focused on reducing costs in primary care, delivering one of the largest expansions of GP visit cards in 2023 to include children aged six and seven and those earning no more than the median income. This enabled these patients to visit their GP free of charge. These two GP access measures provide eligibility to approximately 500,000 additional people.”
“When people have bowel conditions, it is very debilitating. That person will probably spend a lot of time in the comfort of her own house because of the condition. As we know, under the scheme, patients receive drugs, medicines and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of their illness free of charge. While there are no plans to extend the scope of the scheme at present, it is important to reflect that it exists in a wider eligibility framework. The Government has put a significant focus on improving access to, and the affordability of, healthcare services, advancing substantial policy, legislation and investment to deliver expanded eligibility and services in line with Sláintecare.”
“I thank Senator Byrne for raising this very important issue. The long-term illness scheme was established under section 59(3) of the Health Act 1970, as amended. Regulations were made in 1971, 1973 and 1975 prescribing 16 conditions covered by the scheme. These include acute leukaemia, mental handicap - which is not wording we use any more, I have to say, when I think about it- cerebral palsy, mental illness in a person under 16, cystic fibrosis, multiple sclerosis, diabetes insipidus, muscular dystrophies, diabetes mellitus, Parkinsonism, epilepsy, haemophilia, spina bifida, hydrocephalus and conditions arising from the use of Thalidomide. There is no mention of Crohn's disease or any form of inflammatory bowel disease. I take on board what Senator Byrne said about that young person.”
“I thank Deputy McGrath for raising this issue and for attending the Cluain adult training centre with me and Councillor Siobhán Ambrose a few weeks ago. It is an excellent facility which provides a range of services for those with disabilities, acquired brain injuries and mental health challenges. It supports people who might fall between the cracks otherwise. I was very impressed by the fact that the centre identifies the needs of trainees and tailors the supports to suit them. I have asked mental health officials to engage with the disability officials who attended on the day to come up with a comprehensive plan. We will try to work out a service level agreement. I understand the majority of the funding is being provided through the disability budget but the mental health budget also must step up and I am committed to doing so.”