Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate that figures vary and we can all provide statistics but only 51% of community mental health staff in the child and adolescent mental health services are in post. There are huge shortages, though I understand that the service cannot fill those posts. However, there is a lot that can be done in 2017 and we should move to identify those priorities. One of those is counselling. There is a lack of counselling and we could move faster on the ex-quota guidance counsellors on which there has been a start this year.

The primary care counselling service is another and a change could be made to give more access to people on low incomes but who might be above the medical card threshold. I use those merely as illustrations. The Taoiseach could support the non-governmental organisations more which also are intervening with young people. We could do that in 2017. Where there is a will there is a way and I believe every Member of the Oireachtas would support that. It would not have to go to a vote or by way of a motion because we can all do that, but action is needed. People, particularly young people who often can be disconnected from politics or the political system, need positive real signals from us that we can make a difference and intervene with effect, purpose and substance. I put that to the Taoiseach and he might reflect on that. I would like to discuss it again with him and follow through with other party leaders to see what in the short term could be done in 2017 to show people that mental health is the priority above and beyond other issues, and that it is not waiting its place in the queue. There is a real fear and anxiety. The Taoiseach mentioned Ballyphehane and other such areas but it is happening across the country. It is a national issue and we must respond to that fear and anxiety as the country's political leaders. I thank the Taoiseach for his response.

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