Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As I understand, the only reason my constituent raised this issue publicly was not merely to complain and create a fuss but to try to make the service better for others who might find themselves in the same position but who did not have the support of friends, community and family. Where would they be? The referral for specialist help was six weeks after the initial appointment. Luckily, this particular individual had considerable help from his community, family and friends that he was able to deal with this issue but he has made it a public locally and, I suspect, nationally, mainly to get assistance for people and to clarify what help is available when someone presents at our hospitals or GP services with a mental health crisis which could be a matter of life and death. What treatment is available?

While the centre in Drogheda is welcome, the day centre in Navan, which was to replace the old centre in the town, has not been opened. TheJournal.iehas reported today that it is still closed, but that is known across the community. The services are really inadequate. Nobody seems to know what is available for someone at a point of crisis in mental health.

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