Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise a few issues around the National Federation of Voluntary Bodies. I have read its report. In regard to Appendix 1, the campaign strategy questionnaire, are there any facts and figures showing a reduction in family supports, home visits and so on which could be added to the document for the future?

I shall move on to the Irish Hospice Foundation.

There is always great joy at the birth of a child in hospital, but to have to go to a hospital because that child is dying or because an older person is dying is a very sad occasion. My extended family has used the services of the hospice on more than one occasion. In the context of the last few days of people's lives, it is important to say that general practitioners do an exceptional job. Many of them go way beyond the call of duty, and that is often overlooked. In my family's case, our local GP was very much involved. I have nothing more to say about hospices except that they are marvellous. They seek to ensure that people depart this world in comfort and with proper care. Any reduction in the services of the hospices should be opposed.

Ms Corbett from the Children's Rights Alliance spoke about the new children's support, which I welcome. However, with 224,000 children still living in poverty, which is in line with 2010, one has to wonder what happened in the past 15 years when the country had so much money. That is the main issue in terms of what Ms Corbett said. It is shocking that we still have such high numbers of children living in poverty, having gone through 15 years of enormous prosperity.

Whatever about general nursing being a vocation, those who choose to go into mental health nursing are unique individuals. I support the idea of providing mental health services within communities. The people of my parish are very lucky in that their new primary care centre also provides mental health services, which has had an enormous impact on people I know well. I was shocked to discover, having spoken to family, friends and neighbours recently, that six people they knew had taken their lives in the past week alone. The stories are all different and feature people from a wide variety of backgrounds, but they have one thing in common - depression. Apart from all the young people who are committing suicide, there are quite a number in their 30s and 40s who are completely shattered by depression because of their economic circumstances and the difficulties of raising children and keeping a roof over their heads. This problem has mushroomed and is almost completely out of control now. I find it difficult, as a public representative, to give any comfort to people who have lost a loved one through suicide, particularly as a result of depression or mental health difficulties. It is an issue the Government must take seriously, especially with regard to young people and those in their 30s and 40s who are caught in such a bind that they are ending their lives when they should only be starting out. I heard a very sad story the other day of a young woman with a seven week old baby who came home to find her husband hanging in the hall. He could not cope with the pressure of their huge mortgage. It is a sad reflection on us as a society that this is happening. I urge Ministers to take this matter more seriously.