Eugene Murphy (Roscommon-Galway, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am always conscious when we discuss this issue of those present here in the House who have suffered loss in their families and those who are not present. It is, I am sure, a difficult time for them when this matter is discussed.

It is also appropriate that Deputy Brassil mentioned the outstanding contribution of Dan Neville, both as a Senator and a Deputy. I can remember many years ago listening to that in many respects lone voice constantly speaking on the issue and doing enormous work to help people.

The contribution in recent years of Senator Joan Freeman and Pieta House must also be recognised. We have a huge movement now in Darkness into Light walks with thousands of people all over the country joining that campaign. Also, the former Minister of State, Mr. John Moloney, put extraordinary work into that report some years back. I watched him debate and he was so passionate about that. It was Deputy McDonald initially said we have to think of all these people who are not involved in the system, who are not being paid for work in the system but who just got up and did something because of their concern on the issue.

No doubt the Minister of State, Deputy Jim Daly, who I wish well, will take on this issue and give it everything.

I compliment my colleague, Deputy Browne. Since Deputy Michéal Martin appointed him, he has put many hours and days of work in to bringing this matter forward.

I will refer briefly to the difficulties in my constituency of Roscommon-Galway.

An external review has been taking place for over 15 months and several deadlines have been missed. In fairness to the HSE, it has made contact with the people who have been carrying out the review. One point being made by them to the HSE is that so many people want to make a contribution to the report that they have been overwhelmed. I do not want to pre-empt or prejudge the outcome of the report but I guarantee it will result in a lot of debate and talk in this House and throughout the country.

Many people cannot get services and have been turned away. I acknowledge that many people in the system are trying hard to help families. I know of a family, including a parent, that drove to five hospitals only to be told at each that the hospital could not deal with the problem. Eventually, it ended in tragedy at a health centre. We always use the word "closure" when a report comes out. There is never closure for families on this issue. For those who lost somebody 20 or 30 years ago, there is never closure. Many families will say the pain does not go away. As already said, the questions are always asked among families and individuals, who ask why the person did what he or she did.

I am convinced a few simple things could help many people. The art of talking or conversation has disappeared. Social media bears significant responsibility in this regard. Perhaps sometimes we, as adults, dismiss youngsters and tell them not to worry about what they are worried about but five minutes of conversation could change the focus of their minds. Many more people than we imagine feel rejected. It might be that engaging in the art of conversation would change everything for them. That is vital. We have silent conversation now because of social media in many respects. There can be no such thing as silent conversation because it does not work.

St. Brigid's in Ballinasloe is closed. The services in Galway city are very poor for the region. We do not have an adequate service at Roscommon hospital. As others have mentioned, there is a gap between younger people and adults. People are falling through the net at that stage, which I acknowledge the Minister of State understands well. We are on a new plane in this regard as everyone in this House, irrespective of the side, wants this matter to improve. We will not solve every problem but we must reach out to all people who are looking for the proper services and for staff to be put in place. Perhaps we should consider more drop-in centres.

Organisations such as Foróige, youth groups and Macra na Feirme have done considerable work in bringing young people together through their activities. I would like to see the Government giving further support to such groups.

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