James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank every Deputy in the Chamber for their contributions and the many Deputies from across the House who would have loved to contribute but who, due to the shortage of time, simply were not able to get the opportunity. Every Deputy, bar one, made constructive challenging remarks and was focused on mental health. I also thank the patience of those in the Gallery for whom we are having this debate for their contributions outside of these debates that keep us focused on these key issues.

I listened carefully to every contributor. It is clear from across the House that there is no county, no family and no individual who has not been touched by the issues around mental illness. In my county of Wexford, there are all too many tragic events that have happened in recent times.

It is unchallengeable the social, ethical and, for those who even need it, the economic arguments for supporting mental health and providing increased services in this country. It is a question of citizenship and providing full access to participation in society. That is why we need to focus on it.

Many issues were touched on here and there were many issues we did not get to. Among them, dual diagnosis is something that needs to be urgently reviewed. I accept that alcohol causes mental health problems but many with mental health problems end up in alcoholism. Unless we treat the root cause of that issue one will not resolve the alcoholism issue, and similarly with drug addiction.

Decongregation was mentioned. We must be very careful. The next Leas Cross will occur in people's homes because the oversight is not there in the community. We are putting people from congregated settings into the community but without ensuring the supports and the oversight are there to keep an eye on what is happening.

An issue we did not get to touch on is the increase in self-harm of young women. That is not only reflected in Ireland. It is coming out of the UK, the US and across the western world, and it is something that we will have to attend to as well. Issues around social media and family resource centres, which are underfunded and need considerable support, were touched on.

I am glad the Government will not oppose this motion. The motion seeks an urgent review of the budget allocation. It seeks a multi-annual plan to set out how A Vision for Changewill be set. It will give a final guarantee to ring-fence funding so that any funding unspent in mental health will be carried over.

We do not want to be back here again. The Minister of State, Deputy McEntee, has our support but she needs to ensure that the people needing the services are also getting support.

See this speech in context