Leader’s responses on raised issues
The Leader confirms that mental-health funding is ring-fenced, addresses the Seanad cost dispute, and begins responding to Members’ concerns about the abolition campaign and Magdalen redress.
Senator Marc MacSharry raised the question of HSE funding for mental health and suicide prevention services. My information is that the funding is ring-fenced. The Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, has said so previously in the House. I am sure she will confirm that is the position and that all posts that are to be filled will be filled this year, despite newspaper headlines to the contrary.
Regarding the debate on the abolition of the Seanad, a number of Members have raised the question of what was discussed on the Order of Business yesterday in relation to the comments of the Minister, Deputy Richard Bruton. Mr. Kieran Coughlan, Accounting Officer for the Oireachtas Commission, told the Committee of Public Accounts that the direct cost was €8.8 million. That should be acknowledged at this stage.