Mark Daly (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the proposer of the motion for putting it forward. It is important, not only in terms of loneliness and the mental health issues that stem from that, but also in terms of the other health issues that can be a consequence of loneliness for all age groups. It is important that we recognise this as a problem. As outlined in the motion, Ireland is classified as the loneliest country in Europe. Never have people been more connected, yet never have they been more disconnected.