Dr. Paul D'Alton:

A nice example was provided by the National Assembly for Wales when it introduced the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015, which essentially applies a tool like mental health impact assessment to policy. We need to consider what kind of impact the implementation of such a policy would have. This involves looking prospectively at the impact of what we are doing now on the factors that are social determinants of mental health. That will enable us to get a handle on the impact of Oireachtas policies. If we proof changes that are being made at Oireachtas level - I refer, for example, to what has happened in the guidance counselling area - we will be able to see what implications those changes will have for the well-being of our citizens and for the mental health of future generations.

I would like to refer to particularly vulnerable groups, such as the LGBT community and transgendered youth.

We know from decades of research in the field that these minority groups in society are at increased risk of mental health difficulty. Unless we view through that lens, that mental health issue will repeat itself.

I agree with Deputy Catherine Byrne that mental health needs to be an election issue. If we want to address the mental health and well-being of the country, this is where it needs to happen.