Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I congratulate the Ministers of State, Deputies Helen McEntee and Marcella Corcoran Kennedy, on their appointments. Today, I was appointed the Fianna Fáil party spokesperson on old people, public health and health reform and I look forward to working with both the Ministers of State.

Every year, thousands of students start a new chapter in their lives when they move to third level education. This is a very exciting time for most students as it is probably the first time they have lived away from home. For some students, however, reality sets in when the initial excitement of moving away from home and into new accommodation with friends without a night time curfew fades.

The number of students in third level education seeking mental health services is mounting every year. I recently met Professor Willie Donnelly, president of Waterford Institute of Technology, to discuss university status for Waterford. I was shocked to learn that the institute of technology loses 20% of its first-time students every year. Last year, for example, 400 students out of a total cohort of 2,000 left the college.

This cannot all be linked to mental health issues, as some students make the wrong choice or pick the wrong course. Cuts to the number of career guidance counsellors can also be linked to this.

Mental health issues for third level students have become more prevalent. The waiting lists for counselling services are growing but these services are already over-prescribed and underfunded. College life should be enriching and rewarding for all our students. However, many students are struggling through their studies. Many students find the transition to college life and living away from home extremely challenging. This is having a detrimental effect on the mental health of students in colleges and universities around the country and often leads to problems with alcohol, drugs, body image, self-harm, bullying, anxiety, low self-esteem and difficulty coping with loss and grief.

Colleges and universities offer services for those suffering with their mental health, including counselling services. Unfortunately, this is not enough. The student body is ever growing. These students come from more diverse backgrounds and cultures, speak different languages and have different traditions, which can exacerbate the problem. Despite the ever increasing student population, counselling services in colleges and universities have not kept pace with the growing numbers.

Recent statistics have shown that in some colleges and universities, there has been a 16% increase in enrolments while the numbers attending counselling services on campus have increased by 33%. Research has shown that over the past six years, the number of students presenting themselves to mental health services has steadily increased. Anxiety disorder figure has increased from 19% to 32%. The figure in regard to those suffering from depression has increased from 9% to 24% and there has been an increase in academic related issues from 19% to 29%. Despite these figures, there has been no increase in funding. Counselling services in our colleges are vital, essential and expected. The lack of these services, coupled with waiting lists - in some colleges there is only one counsellor available, backed up by a pastoral care team - is having a severe impact on student's health and well-being. Improved services are well overdue. Counselling services in our universities and institutions must be increased and funded.

It is time for us to take an active approach to students' mental health because if we do not deal with the issue at this level, we are only kicking the can down the road which will result in problems later. The issue of mental health must be addressed. It is no longer a stigma. If people break an arm, they get the problem sorted. The same approach needs to be taken for mental health issues. These issues cannot be buried in the basement of a hospital as if they do not exist.

In Ireland, suicide is a leading cause of death among young people. The rate of youth suicide in Ireland is the fifth highest in the European Union. That is 15 youth suicides per 100,000 15 to 24 year olds. The suicide rate for teenage girls is higher in Ireland that in any other EU state. That is a damning statistic. There are not many Deputies here tonight to hear this but I will repeat that the suicide rate for teenage girls in Ireland is the higher than in any other EU state while the rate among young men is the second highest. I was shocked when I read this. This is a staggering statistic and the issue must be dealt with.

I am pleased there is consensus among all parties on the seriousness of this issue. I look forward to working with the Minister of State on the issue in the future.

See this speech in context