Dr. Joseph Duffy:

On the Deputy's question regarding whether demand can be met, it will be a struggle to meet it. It was a struggle before Covid and it will continue to be a struggle now. Reference has been made to the importance of further investment in mental health in the context of the overall health budget. That would be very welcome. It is very important that we look at the mental health budget in the context of a system of care, taking account of the areas of prevention and early intervention, on which Jigsaw is focused, as well as longer-term and tertiary care. It is about having appropriate targets and supports at each of the levels.

Ireland has embraced the idea of prevention and early intervention in the context of Covid-19 and people understand those concepts very well. It is important to promote the concept of early intervention in the area of mental health. My colleagues present mentioned the importance of identifying and understanding the mental health problems that will arise due to Covid as well as getting the important supports for those in place as soon as possible. The level of investment needs to be considered not just in the context of traditional mental health services and the CAMHS and adult mental health service teams, but looking at wider supports and the broader psychosocial model of mental health.