In the programme for Government it is stated that the mental health budget would be increased annually in order to implement A Vision for Change. The review of the programme for Government did not contain a single mention of mental health, following the paltry €15 million in additional funding announced in budget 2017. That is barely enough for the service to stand still. It is the case that 47% of child and adolescent mental health services, CAMHS, positions are not filled. Due to the growth in population the indication is that adequate staffing levels will not be reached until 2040. We have just three of the 14 recommended crisis houses, which are all in one community healthcare organisation, CHO, and just 63 of the minimum 100 beds needed for CAMHS, and 11 of those are under threat of closure. Will the Government commit to a substantial increase on last year's budget and at least double the additional investment in mental health?

Mental health services remain a priority for the Government and the point the Deputy made will be considered in the context of the budget this year. A huge amount of recruitment has taken place for local CAMH services. We have seen a huge increase on the ground of teams delivering CAMH services around the country but recruitment, in particular, and retention of staff in the area remain an ongoing difficulty. Every effort is being made to recruit the appropriate range of interdisciplinary specialists so that those services can be delivered. It is not always about providing the funding; it is about trying to find the staff who are available to develop the multidisciplinary teams around the country.