Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am delighted to have an opportunity to speak on this very important subject and I congratulate Deputy Browne on his very important work and the Minister of State on his appointment. I wish him and the committee well. Mental health is a very intricate subject with which every Member has had some dealings in his or her constituency. It is still very much an enigma in some cases and, when something happens, people often ask why it has occurred. They ask themselves whether they should have been more alert, spotted something sooner and whether there should be more support facilities. Every person in public and private life can become an advocate in the area of mental health without imposing their inquisitiveness on others by being alert and confidential in terms of dealing with and advising people in a helpful rather than critical way. That applies to individual households and affects young children.

A couple of years ago, I tabled a parliamentary question on this issue and was shocked to discover the number of children under ten and between ten and 14 who had self-harmed and been referred to accident and emergency departments on more than one occasion. That indicates a need to address the subject and follow it up, which is hugely important.

All Members have had dealt with situations in recent years involving economic pressures arising from house repossession and people who are stressed by dealing with mortgages and mortgage arrears. The mental health of some people throughout the country has been detrimentally affected by the downturn in the economy. The doubt, insecurity, concern and worry of people about their futures was hugely exacerbated by the economic situation that developed. Unfortunately, many people succumbed to that. As Deputy Browne said, support facilities need to be alert, constant and accessible around the clock in a way in which people can rely upon them and avail of them without further stress being caused by having to search for services. All Members have dealt with people who required services and sometimes felt those services were not as available as they ought to be.

Other people require ongoing treatment. One problem is that some people need supervision and some do not. Supervision should be put in place for those who need it for medication because there is a difficulty if they do not take their medication, if it is not available or if it is not clear that an effort must be made to take it. Everyone tends to take the easier route no matter where they are in life, but that does not work in this situation. I hope that we will build upon the unfortunate experiences we have had in recent years and previously and try delicately and sensitively to put in place the support services required as the need arises.

It is an honour to be here in the presence of Members who have shown an interest in this issue. Former Deputy Dan Neville spent many years highlighting this subject. It is to his credit that he kept a focus on it throughout his political life. Approximately 20 years ago, the focus was rightly changed from institutional care to community care. The only problem was that community services were not provided to the extent required. The effects of that are still being felt. Many of the housing problems that exist result from one service being scaled down for good reason, but the support and replacement service not being put in place or is insufficient. Members should realise that in a situation when an individual of any age feels threatened or insecure and is worried about the future, he or she needs a pillar to lean against and something to draw upon. To be stabilised, he or she needs the strength of an institution or society that can be relied upon. He or she needs security. That has not been provided, which is a sad reflection on our society. We ask ourselves why these things continue to happen and reflect poorly on society. We have to bite the bullet and provide the resources. It is costly.

We are going to have to do that now. If we do not, we will find ourselves in years go come still dealing with the same situation and asking ourselves why does this problem of mental health issues and instability not go away.

There will always be societal pressures on people to a greater or lesser extent depending on their particular economic situation. I go back to what I said in the beginning, and what others said as well, on the question of support. Put in place something that is reliable and supportive for people and that they are secure and happy with and that we do not pull the plug on as economic circumstances change.

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