Mr. Martin Rogan:

In primary care, it is important that the GP has a range of strategies to offer the individual. Pharma has an important role to play in some instances, specifically where there is a proper diagnosis, the person is very comfortable and other programmes are also offered, for example, psychotherapeutic approaches or even social prescribing, green prescribing and exercise programmes. These programmes are very important. It is also important we work with the individual not only solo but in the context of his or her family or chosen supports, such as friends and family. Ireland has a particularly high use of pharmaceuticals in mental health. Sometimes this is in the absence of other options. Availing of the wrong tool because it is the most available or useful one at one's disposal does not make it the correct one. Mental Health Ireland does not have a viewpoint on particular types of medication. We do not prescribe certain treatments or anything like that. That is a matter for the service user and his or her prescriber. However, it is really important that there is a range of options and not just a prescription pad used in isolation.