Michael Colreavy (Sligo-North Leitrim, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I am disappointed that the Government proposes to introduce an amendment to the motion. The vision and steps set out in the text we have introduced should have enjoyed the support of every Deputy in the House.

In 2011, RTE performed a valuable public service when it broadcast a two-part documentary, "Behind the Walls", which investigated the history of Ireland's psychiatric services. Made by the eminent investigative journalist, the late Mary Raftery, the programme examined how people who suffered from mental health problems have been treated by the State. It made for grim viewing as it showed a culture of institutionalisation. The patients who came under the care of the State suffered greatly. They were branded as lunatics and locked away. At one stage, Ireland had the highest number of people locked up in mental institutions per head of population of any country. As legislators, it is our duty to ensure the mental health of citizens is given the consideration it deserves. We owe this debt to today's citizens and those whom the State let down since its formation.

It is essential that our mental health facilities are adequately staffed to sufficient levels. A report published last week by the Mental Health Commission shows that only 44% of psychiatric hospitals and mental health facilities are compliant with staffing level regulations. Staffing levels for community health teams are 25% below those recommended in A Vision for Change. If one does not adequately staff services, patients suffer the consequences, as does the State. We need more than reports; we need political commitment, proper funding and action.

Suicide is an issue that must be tackled in a careful, considered manner. Sligo-Leitrim, the area I have the privilege to represent, has all too often witnessed the awful, hopeless legacy left in the wake of suicide, especially of young people. The issue must be addressed by means of a national, cross-departmental, co-ordinated approach. A key priority for suicide prevention is the development of an adequate 24-hour crisis support service for people experiencing severe mental or emotional distress.

I am delighted that 24-hour, community-based mental health services are being developed in north County Leitrim. While magnificent progress is being made in the area, I will monitor developments to ensure the necessary and desirable mental health service developments are not allowed to wither and die owing to a lack of adequate resources.

Crisis housing with adequate support services must be made available to those suffering a mental health crisis because hospitalisation and community-based services sometimes need to be complemented by housing for people with particular problems. Existing suicide prevention initiatives must be co-ordinated in order that members of the public know where to turn for advice.

Suicide services must be able to provide for minority groups such as black and minority ethnic communities, the Traveller community and homeless people. These communities often contain vulnerable people and are at greater risk of suicide and self-harm. Young people and children must be catered for also. We are often accused of not listening to the voices of the young and this is an area in which we must not fail them.

Community voluntary organisations in mental health services make an invaluable contribution to suicide prevention and support. The potential of these organisations is not being fully realised because statutory bodies will instinctively ring-fence whatever diminishing resources are available for statutory services. I have in mind the example of the Bill W Club in Sligo which provided 24-hour care for 365 days of the year for vulnerable people with various mental health issues and addictions. The club recently lost its modest Health Service Executive grant of approximately €55,000 on the somewhat spurious ground that its policies and procedures were not up to scratch. Instead of supporting these untrained, volunteer workers, the HSE withdrew the small grant available to their organisation. To whom will the vulnerable people who were helped so much by the Bill W Club now turn at midnight on a lonely bank holiday?

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