Ms Gabrielle Cummins:

We argue that this is a big concern and all of us, collectively, have to work together to figure out how we can communicate more to young people to allow them to realise that early intervention is key. Deputy Ward mentioned that there is no director of mental health in the HSE. We argue that the need to have a youth director of mental health is more important than anything because the earlier we are able to support young people the more likely they are to have a better life further down the line. We absolutely back the need for a national lead for youth mental health.

I will highlight the importance of collaboration within departments. We got funding from the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, BAI.

Then we had to go to the HSE to help raise awareness. For example, this week we are raising awareness on those under 35 years being able to get vaccinations. We had to go through a lot of hoops with the HSE to ensure that we get the necessary access to provide that awareness. It is important that there is more interdepartmental collaboration. We are there to help, we are willing to do so and we have the resources. It is about using what we have to offer as much as we can.