6. Mental Health Services—Children and Young People in Earthquake-affected AreasDr DUNCAN WEBB (Labour—Christchurch Central) to the Minister of HealthMental Health Services—Children and Young People in Earthquake-affected Areas6. Dr DUNCAN WEBB (Labour—Christchurch Central) to the Minister of Health: How is the Government supporting better mental health for children and young people in earthquake-affected areas?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK (Minister of Health): Last week the Government announced our plan to deliver dedicated mental health support to years 1 to 8 school students in Canterbury. During the first phase of the roll-out 15 schools in Hornby and Christchurch East will share six dedicated mental health staff. This is part of a $28 million programme that will be rolled out rapidly over the next three years. The Government will ensure that every primary school - aged child in Canterbury and Kaikōura has access to a mental health worker.Dr Duncan Webb: Why has the Government made this one of its top priorities in mental health?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK: Since 2011 there has been a 93 percent increase in children in Christchurch requiring support for mental health issues. Children across the region have suffered long-term psychological disturbance following the Canterbury and Kaikōura earthquakes. Unlike the previous Government who took its foot off the accelerator in this area our Government is committed to addressing mental health and it starts with children.Dr Duncan Webb: How is the Government's plan to deliver mental health support—Hon Gerry Brownlee: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. Well quite apart from the fact that I take huge exception to the comment made by Dr David Clark on what is an extremely serious issue and which the Government did take very seriously throughout the six years that I was involved it is totally extraneous to the question that he was actually asked and a gratuitous statement which you have been trying to stamp out. I actually watched the last half of question time last Thursday from outside of the House and could see the direction you are taking. That totally contravenes that direction.SPEAKER: Yes that's a fair comment. I think I was being too kind to the Minister. We will be tighter in future.Dr Duncan Webb: How is the Government's plan to deliver mental health support for Canterbury kids going to be funded?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK: As I've said in the House many times this Government will implement initiatives with a good evidence base and mental health support in primary and intermediate schools is just such an initiative. This initiative will be funded out of the $100 million contingency set aside over four years by the previous Government in Budget 2017 which was never appropriated for any specific programmes.Matt Doocey: Given that it's accepted that the town of Kaiapoi was one of the most hard hit in the earthquakes why are they receiving no support under this programme?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK: As I have said this is a rapid roll-out. We're starting in Canterbury and in Hornby and in east Christchurch. We believe in starting at the core where there are schools ready to deliver this programme and where the parents are crying out for it.