Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It is very frustrating that ten years after the publication of A Vision for Change, we are here tonight with a motion debating the fact that it has not been fully or even nearly fully implemented. This year, we ought to have seen the full implementation of that document. Instead, our mental health service provision is in crisis. Behind this policy lie real lives. Last year, we lost 451 loved ones through suicide, a number that could be higher. Our suicide rate among young people is among the highest in Europe. People are dying because they cannot get the services they need and because of the lack of implementation of A Vision for Change.

It is estimated that around 9% of Irish people over the age of 15 have a mental health problem and I am sure the Minister of State would agree that this represents a staggering number of people. Most of these people can recover if they get the correct treatment options and services but if they cannot get these options and services, it is fair to say the condition of many of them will deteriorate which, in turn, can lead to devastating consequences for their families.

The Government amendment states that it is committed to continuing to implement A Vision for Change and that it recognises the critical importance of prioritising mental health policy and services but we hear that over and over again. The Government says it is committed but we do not see it act on that commitment. The Minister of State has yet to give a date or timeframe for something that is so urgent and critical and that would prevent so much misery and heartbreak for families across this State. It is time for action. Fine Gael has been in government since 2011. It has talked about its commitment but it has not shown commitment and has not delivered. The Minister of State, Deputy Regina Doherty, went off track earlier. In response to her, so far, Fine Gael has refused to provide and fund these services. If the Government can afford pre-election tax cuts in promised budgets, it can afford to fund and provide these services. We are looking for action and delivery in respect of the Government's commitment.

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