Johnny Mythen (Wexford, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I commend my colleague, Deputy Ward, on bringing forward this very important legislation. This Bill rightly puts mental health treatment at the same level of importance as physical health treatment. This principle was enshrined in British law in 2012, demonstrating we are at least eight years behind with our own Irish legislation.

The rationale for the Bill is to place a duty of care on the State to accept the principle of parity of esteem, both for physical and mental health. Earlier this month I raised with the Taoiseach the appalling position of there being no inpatient child and adolescent mental health service, CAMHS, beds in Wexford. Children who require inpatient care for their mental health must travel to Cork or possibly other counties for a bed, or worse, be put into an adult unit. This Bill will bring about a change for good and influence future policies. It will change attitudes towards mental health and the overall well-being of our country.

Another area of mental health welfare that we really need to get to grips with concerns dual diagnosis of people suffering mental ill health and addiction. We all hear and know of people at their lowest point being passed from service to service. As there appears to be no collaboration between services to deal with such individuals, we need to urgently develop best practices and introduce "wet hostels" to support and treat citizens with dual diagnosis. There is no reason shared files, collaborative work and a comprehensive treatment plan could not exist in treating a dual diagnosis of mental illness and addiction.

If we are to have parity of esteem in mental health, we must also take an holistic approach. One such way for this to happen is through the promotion of early intervention and prevention work, as well as the more traditional mental ill health care. A service that comes to mind is the Jigsaw service for young people with mental health issues. It proves a listening ear and gives expert advice and support to young people aged between 12 and 25. It also provides families, teachers and those who support young people's mental health with a wide range of coping and resilience skills. An excellent service such as this should be in every area and accessible to every young person.

In response to a parliamentary question I tabled in July, the south-east community healthcare section of the HSE indicated it was not aware of any plans to develop a further Jigsaw programme in the region in 2020. I urge the Minister of State to recognise the importance of this service and begin planning the investment required for expansion. By supporting and passing this Bill, the House would commit to a noble principle that from now on, the physical and mental health of the nation would be treated as one indivisible right.

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