Page 54 of the programme for Government refers to the integrated mental health services provided by non-government organisations. Pieta House was awarded millions in funding this year after it found itself in financial difficulties, with threats of redundancies hanging over staff. It has been brought to my attention by concerned members of the public that the Fine Gael Leader of the Seanad, Senator Regina Doherty, is now a board member of Pieta House. Senator Doherty, according to Pieta’s website, is also a former member of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform. The website states that this will provide Pieta House with insights that will be valuable assets to the organisation. Does the Tánaiste believe that the Senator’s membership of a board that receives vast amounts of public funding is a conflict of interest? Is this a paid position? Was the Tánaiste aware of this?

I thank the Deputy. I was not aware of that, but Pieta House is a mental health charity that provides excellent services and help for people who need help around mental health and suicide, in particular. As a Senator, Senator Doherty has no role in deciding what funding a charity receives. She is not a Minister and does not hold executive office. I do not think there is a conflict of interest there but perhaps the Deputy will say otherwise. I am not on any boards but I imagine there are many Deputies and Senators who are on boards and I do not think that in itself is a conflict of interest.