Mental health funding and CCTV
Further concerns about mental health cuts were answered by the Leader, who said funding was increasing and suggested discussing the matter with the incoming Taoiseach or Minister; he also mentioned CCTV improvements in Cork.
There have been cuts across the board.
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I am very much aware of the remarks made by the Senator. We have heard them. I want to put the matter in context. As I said, the Government is committed to increasing the mental health budget. The Vote for the Department of Health is passed to give money directly to the HSE for the provision of services.
I recognise there is a need to improve our mental health services and provide more funding for them. I am not arguing that point. There has been a timelag in the taking up of different posts but the Senator and others need to recognise that the budget for our mental health services has been increased. The Minister of State, Deputy McEntee, is committed to implementing that and to seeing those services develop and evolve in the coming years.
Regarding the provision of a closed-circuit television, CCTV, system for Carlow, I would be happy to arrange for the Minister concerned to liaise with Senator Murnane O'Connor. Perhaps the Senator and Deputy Deering might come together in a joint collaborative approach with the county councillors.
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He is very busy at the moment.
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Without pre-empting the result of the Fine Gael leadership contest, the Senator and the Deputy might talk to the new Taoiseach or the Minister for Justice-----
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Who is the new Minister for Justice?
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-----whoever they may be, or the existing Minister for Justice and Equality, to ensure that the necessary funding is available. In my city of Cork the provision of CCTV facilities has increased. I might give Senator Murnane O'Connor some tips afterwards.