Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

That narrows down the focus very much.

In the short time available, it behoves us all to recognise that the pressures on families, households and individuals has increased considerably to such an extent that what previously did not impact much does so now to a greater degree. All Deputies have tragic associations through constituents or our own families that have brought issues to our attention that need to be addressed via the availability of resources and out-of-hours services.

When an emergency arises, as it very often does in mental health services, there is a need for individuals to have access to somebody who can assist and reassure people.

People do not generally recognise that what very often constitutes pressure for one family or person may be handled readily by another. What becomes almost unbearable for one may be normal and easier to handle for another. I hope the lessons we have learned over recent years will serve to help us focus on the urgent need within the mental health service in general, including the psychiatric services, to ensure the early identification of issues, a follow-up response and a continuous response.

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