In the post budget blitz the excuse for an apology and the Taoiseach’s interpretation for the apology of Minister for State O’Malley’s remarks may go missing. Just as Bertie would want it.

To bring you up to speed in case you missed it. Further to the junior ministers remarks some weeks ago about depression being over exaggerated, he accused psychiatrists of making waiting lists longer to make themselves feel important. This was in the middle of a Prime Time Special on Mental Health and young people/children. (Excellent programme by the way – TV Licence payers money at its best!)

Cue consternation from opposition in the Dáil – junior minister causes commotion just before budget – getting to be a regular thing! Bertie was having none of it – the junior minister didn’t mean any offence.

“Minister O’Malley has clearly stated he was making a point about a scheme. He meant no offence to parents or staff. He has made that position clear, and it should not be repeated when the Minister makes something clear.”

Tim O’Malley is a liability and out of his depth, he’s offending parents who are in crisis seeking services for their children and health service workers who work in the poor relation of the health service. Now O’Malley will be watched and told to shut up and those services will remain in the doldrums.

And have you noticed it’s another example of blaming the HSE by a Minister for Health – this is the still shiny new policy being operated by ministers in this department – they are responsible for nothing – it’s a HSE policy matter. Never mind the liability of a Minister – the opposition need to concentrate on the appalling services and the suffering of those affected. Parents are too busy trying to keep themselves and their children alive so they won’t be jumping up and down about it, but that’s alright then because there musn’t be a problem if the Minister says so.