My question concerns the allocation of resources to the development of community-based psychiatric facilities. Would the Minister accept that there will be a need for greater resources in the psychiatric area because of the need to maintain a level of institutional care while the community-based care is being developed? Would the Minister confirm that he does not see the scaling down of institutional care as simply a cost cutting exercise?

I am not convinced of that. In relation to Carlow, there is a provision of £3.8 million for psychiatric resources for 1986 and £4 million for Roscommon. Within the framework of that money an alternative treatment model can be provided — and God knows it should be provided in many other parts of the country as well. I agree that there may be a need for additional capital resources but in terms of the number of persons working, they must come from behind the institutional structures and into the community and the nursing and ancillary staff must work within that framework. On that basis there is no great need for additional revenue moneys. Capital moneys for buying hostels and buildings, using alternative facilities and so on, are readily available. They are once-off capital moneys. I am convinced this can be made to work with the support in particular of the Eastern Health Board, and I hope, the responsible support of some senior psychiatric consultants although I despair of some of the statements they have made, with due respect to the profession. I hope we will make considerable progress in that regard.