Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Thursday, 21 January 2016

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children

Wellness, Well-being and Mental Health: Discussion

9:30 am

Photo of Imelda HenryImelda Henry (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank witnesses for their presentations. I travelled from Sligo this morning and before I left I spoke to my teenage daughter. I am not trying to boost the egos of the witnesses but they have done fantastic work. I have spoken about education, and booklets, pamphlets and leaflets are a waste of time. Even if somebody from the HSE speaks, it goes in one ear and out the other. Mr. Breslin is held in high esteem. He is young and on television. He has done an unbelievable amount on the issue of mental health in this country. I know it is very difficult because I have been there myself in the past. It is very difficult for people like Mr. Breslin, but I wish more people who are well known and admired would speak about their experiences.

With regard to young people with depression, there are various types of depression, including clinical. People get into certain situations and find they are depressed. Loving families and environments were mentioned, and certainly they are a huge help. I feel for people who have depression and who are in dysfunctional families and find it much more difficult.

I am a member of a Government party and we have done much over the past five years. The issues of mental health and suicide are spoken about more often. There is much more to do. I know Mr. Breslin cannot go to every school in the country, but it is important for people such as him to speak out. I know it has changed over the years, and many people including young people suffer from depression. In Sligo, anybody with a mental health issue no longer has to wait. I am not saying it is like that throughout the country, but I am speaking about my area. I thank the witnesses and ask them to keep up the good work. Deputy Ó Caoláin stated a cross-party committee discusses mental health and I hope this continues. We have been through rough times and more money is becoming available. From our point of view it will be top of the agenda for more investment.

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