The programme for Government contains a commitment to: "Progress the National Clinical Programme for Dual Diagnosis and work to develop joint protocols and referral pathways." In addition, Sharing the Vision states "an individual with an addiction has a right to access relevant mental health supports". Will the Taoiseach indicate if the policy outlined in both documents relates to non-governmental organisations that receive financial support from the Government to provide mental health supports? Will non-governmental organisations such as Pieta House be instructed to provide a mental health service to individuals irrespective of whether they have addiction or substance-misuse issues, to ensure there is no wrong door when it comes to dual diagnosis?

My view is that we should utilise non-governmental organisations in the mental health area and in the addiction services area. Over the past number of years, when I was actively pursuing mental health issues, one of the difficulties was in recruiting psychiatrists and psychologists to various mental health teams throughout the country. I pressed various Ministers to try to work with high-quality non-governmental organisations that could, perhaps, support and complement the work of the public mental health services. I am very keen to work with non-governmental organisations, both on the addiction side and in the area of mental health, to help them in an integrated way.