Mr. John Meehan:

If Deputy Eugene Murphy visits the Connecting for Life website, he will see a progress report on the actions involved in Connecting for Life. The fundamental lesson from Connecting for Life was that there was a need for a robust implementation plan and a governance structure. My office is responsible for driving it through. It is very difficult when we have to deal with other Departments that may not see this is a priority. The governance structure, through the cross-sectoral group chaired by the Department of Health, has informed decisions and enabled progress to be made with the implementation process. I would advocate for that.

I refer to social media, which was mentioned by Senator Noone, as an example of the other actions that have been taken. We have intervened with Facebook to ensure certain uploads are taken down, for example in the case of an individual who has posted his or her intention to make a suicide attempt. Facebook has been very forthcoming in such cases. Our information is that Facebook now has a mental health specialist with whom we can liaise directly. Our research shows that the contagion effect has a negative effect on vulnerable members of the community, particularly vulnerable younger people.

I draw the attention of the committee to our Mind Monsters initiative, which we launched in 2018. It was developed by experts and young people. Young people are a fundamental part of it. As part of the digital forum, we include little animated programmes about minding one's own mental health. We are getting in on the digital conversation in a positive and preventative way. We are engaged in a collective effort with our colleagues in ISPCC and SpunOut.ie.

I am not sure where the figure of €17 million came from. Is that just from County Roscommon? Deputy Murphy must remember that the county is part of CHO 2, which includes counties Galway and Mayo.