Martin Browne (Tipperary, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I have two quick questions for Dr. Lannon and then I will let in other members. I will start with the same question I asked Mr. Henderson on mental health. Regarding health services' capacity with Covid, the provision of mental health services in this country is well known to be far below what is needed. Doras has noted that people in direct provision are 15 times more likely to be diagnosed with depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder, and the Ombudsman for Children has identified a dreadful failure to provide proper supports for people in direct provision. That must have been made even worse throughout the pandemic. Are genuine efforts being made to address this since the ombudsman published his report? Could Dr. Lannon outline his view on how best we can ensure that the needs of the people in the new system are met?