Mr. Martin Rogan:

We have seen that the profile of need has changed owing to an increase in urgency. Voluntary agencies such as mine and other organisations running helplines and support lines have seen an increase in the intensity and duration of calls.

People are often very distressed and people sometimes find it difficult to step over that threshold to seek help. This is something they might not have done before and they have often been relieved and surprised to realise the level of support that is there. Agencies would always say that no problem is too small. If it is a problem for someone and it is impacting on his or her quality of life, relationships, ability to go forward or view of the future, he or she should definitely reach out for help. Most people gain these supports in the context of their families, communities and social relationships but as the Deputy mentioned, about 90% of all mental health issues present to primary care in the first instance and that is about 30% of all GP activity. That was abated somewhat with telephone visits, etc., during the early stages of the lockdown and that was a real challenge for people in terms of gaining access and beginning such a conversation.

Huge progress has been made in the area of mental health in recent years. Recovery is a real prospect and it is important that people step forward and avail of the services and do not shy away or stay back for fear of Covid-19 as we have seen in other parts of the health system. The pathways have been cleared and are easily navigated but there are some additional delays because of the requirement for personal protective equipment, PPE, which poses a particular issue in the mental health context. Engaging with a person who is in distress or experiencing a vulnerable time while wearing a mask is a real limitation. We have been interacting with some of our international colleagues and some world designers to explore ways to get past that and to have PPE that is appropriate to mental health.

There has definitely been a different nature of mental healthcare need. Many of these needs can be resolved through local community engagement with volunteers, NGOs and different organisations that are happy and pleased to help and that sometimes use mental health technologies. Mental health services are available 24/7 for young people and older people and for the general adult population. That is the important message we want to send out today.