Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

All the witnesses have done unbelievable work this morning. I sincerely thank them for coming today and for the amazing work they are doing in their own areas and communities. I know a bit about the benefits of the work they do, particularly in the community and how it can be life changing. I had a couple of questions but I will not ask them any more questions because they probably need a coffee and I am sure that the staff also need a coffee.

The language used today is really powerful and so refreshing to hear. We have done considerable work on mental health in here. Language like "person-centred care" and "wraparound services" is so powerful. Somebody coming to these services is lost, frightened and at the end of their tether.

Somebody coming to these services is lost, frightened and at the end of their tether. The witnesses have spoken very eloquently about their own experiences and how they got help because of the wraparound services and person-centred care. At the end of the day, it all comes down to treating people with dignity and respect, listening to their stories, listening to their trauma, being present for them and having that lovely compassion. As somebody said, unconditional positive regard is powerful. We need more of that language in the services.

The work Dr. Mac Gabhann is doing, particularly in the sub-committee he mentioned, is great. I loved what he said about the fact that politics is working. We, as a committee, need to hear that. I hope officials in the Department are watching today and recognise that what they are doing up there is starting to work. They also need to hear that. I have a tonne of questions here, but I think the witnesses covered a lot today. I have been inspired by listening to them and I thank them.

The dual diagnosis work is only starting. We need to work on many more areas, particularly when it comes to dual diagnosis. What the witnesses said about wraparound services is lovely. Nobody as a child wants to end up with an alcohol, drug or gambling problem or have a mental health issue. No family wants to see their child in that scenario. I hope the citizens' assembly will do the moral model and will start that whole conversation. It is vital that dual diagnosis is part of the citizens' assembly. That conversation needs to be up there big time; it needs to be a priority.

I thank all the witnesses sincerely for coming here today. I hope that down the line we can do another session on this because what we have heard today has been so powerful. I thank all the witnesses for aiding the sub-committee in its consideration of the very important matter of dual diagnosis.