Mark Ward (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Fitzgerald. That is interesting, especially about the news aspect. We met young people who said that they were sitting down in anticipation when new restrictions were due to be announced by the Taoiseach or the Tánaiste, because they knew that information would impact their daily lives. It would impact on whether they could return to playing Gaelic games, go back dancing or go back to school. It was possible to see increased anxiety among young people when the news was coming on. I know from my children that it is a big thing for them to be interested in the news and to be sitting around waiting for announcements to be made by the Taoiseach. It was possible to see the impact that was having.

I have one more question. I apologise for having to pop off then because I have another meeting to get to. I read the comprehensive impact report that the Samaritans sent to the committee entitled, Always Here No Matter What: A Year of Listening. It was a good report. I am always interested in the evidence-based research that any group is carrying out. One point that struck me concerned the stigma associated with mental health problems. The report refers to such stigma, stating, "A number of participants volunteered examples of feeling judged, feeling concerned about confidentiality and being mistreated." Has that stigma increased or decreased in recent years? Anecdotally, I hear many younger people talking about mental health issues and I can see stigmas being broken on that level. On another level, though, it is possible to see people who are anxious about coming out and seeking health for their mental health issues. How does the organisation think that we can best combat stigma in this regard and make it easier for people to come forward?