Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the opportunity to speak on this Bill because this is an issue that affects everybody. Sometimes our debates on Private Members' business or legislation can be focused on particular sectors or groups of people but mental health does not discriminate on the grounds of age, gender or nationality. Mental health is a vital issue for the nation and I agree with the motion. As policy makers and legislators, we should make mental health our concern. As Deputy Áine Collins pointed out, one in four people will experience mental health problems in their lives. Nearly everybody in this building has been affected either personally or through somebody else.

I printed a copy of A Vision for Change some time ago but I am still making my way through it because it is a lengthy document. The person-centred approach for service users, carers and providers is already playing a part in reducing the stigma attached to mental illness and physical disabilities. All of us know that a huge part of tackling mental illness is to take the first step of acknowledging it and speaking about it. We need to keep a close eye not only on the roll-out of A Vision for Change but also how it is being received. I have discussed this issue with a number of people recently. There is a fear of the unknown because people are afraid to move away from the norm. Even if they have an opportunity to access better facilities and services they may fear that if they move away from what they have now they will get nothing in the future.

In the past few years we have seen a significant change in attitudes towards mental illness. We are beginning to discuss the issue and to promote good mental health. I have experience with a variety of organisations in my own county, including charitable organisations and groups of local people, which have sought to raise awareness. Unfortunately these efforts usually come on foot of knowing somebody who suffered from an illness or, in the worst-case scenario, died. At one stage at home, we had four similar deaths in a short space of time, one of which was my Dad. People are fantastic in rallying around but we need to do everything possible to prevent such situations from arising. Four young men in one community is a horrendous tragedy. We need to create a thriving environment, including the economy and living conditions, and put the wheels in motion to support communities and each other. Everybody should be able to avail of support systems when they need it.

I welcome the increased funding for mental health provided by this Government. The budget for mental health services this year is approximately €766 million, including the additional funding of €90 million provided over the last three budgets. This money has funded an increase of 1,100 new mental health posts.

There are many different types of mental illness arising in a wide variety of contexts. Some are hereditary and others arise from accidents, years of drug and alcohol abuse or stress. Sometimes it can affect young people when the pressures of life become too heavy. We need to start with our young people in schools by educating them. Now that we say it is okay to have a bad day or admit we are feeling down, it is easier to discuss these issues. Recently I met a man who was not afraid to tell me that he had a bipolar disorder. Now that we are moving away from the stigma, it is time to address mental ill-health at an early stage in life. As parliamentarians we can be role models in this regard. I have great respect and admiration for the Irish celebrities and sports men and women who have admitted to living with mental illness. These individuals are role models for young people and we must strive to be the same.

We must continue on our current path of implementing A Vision for Change but we must also keep an eye on how it is being received by people. We must also address the growing issue of alcohol and drug abuse, which often leads to mental illness. Finally, we need to look after young people and educate them. This Government is dedicated to tackling this issue. I thank Sinn Féin for introducing this very important motion.

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