Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Dr. McDaid and Ms Mitchell for being here today and we appreciate them taking the time to do so. It is a very important subject. I remember being in school and learning the Latin maxim, mens sana in corpore sano; I am not sure if I am saying it correctly but it refers to a healthy mind in a healthy body. That was drummed into us and it is very true. The witnesses have reflected that quite comprehensively in their submission today.

I am interested in the addiction area, as I mentioned to the witnesses from St. Patrick's Hospital. It is not mentioned in the submission but that is not to say it is not of paramount importance when we speak of mental health. What is the view of the delegation in that regard and particularly the tackling of addiction in young people? Professor Lucey from St. Patrick's Hospital mentioned how mental health issues can start in people under 25. Where there are career guidance counsellors in schools, I would like to see mental health counsellors, or at least counsellors if they are not called mental health counsellors. These can be people who people can talk to, particularly teenagers and especially when they start drinking etc. I would like to see that happening but I wonder what is the view of the delegation in the context of its all-policies approach and the EU framework that has recommended it.

We should consider such a post and I think it would be worthwhile.

Funding for family resource centres has been cut. I will push for the decision to be reversed because family resource centres act as a preventative measure. I would like to hear the views of the delegation on the matter.

I have spoken in the Dáil about education being key in protecting one's mental health. Dr. McDaid outlined in her submission that "suicide is the leading cause of death in young males, exceeding road traffic accidents and cancer". Suicide is a scourge in this country and I will do all that I can to help improve the situation. I thank the delegation for attending today.