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

As we discuss this issue I am always conscious of those in the Chamber who have suffered heartbreak. We should always reflect for a short time out of respect for their suffering and to let them know that we share that heartbreak. It is also true for many associated with this House and the many thousands outside who have been affected by mental health issues. I commend Deputy James Browne who has done extraordinary work on this issue, as Members of the House will acknowledge. We must stop the repeated failing of people with mental health issues.

Unfortunately, when it comes to mental health services, County Roscommon has been in the headlines for all of the wrong reasons. Members will be familiar with the external review of mental health services in the county. It was a damning indictment of a service in crisis mode. It found a service in which a culture of blame, secrecy and negativity abounded. Following the review it was suggested the committee's 27 recommendations be implemented without delay. A management team was put in place but to this day, as far as I am aware, very few, if any, of the recommendations has been implemented. The programme for Government contains a commitment to improving mental health services throughout the country. Like my colleague Deputy Jackie Cahill, I am being parochial because what has happened in my county is appalling and outrageous, although I know that the situation is almost as bad in other parts of the country. We must remember that the aforementioned external review commenced in August 2015 but was not completed until September 2017. Despite the seriousness of the situation, it took two years for the report to be finalised. I will not speak any further about this matter because the facts speak for themselves and we all know what we have to do.

I ask the Minister of State, Deputy Jim Daly, to review the situation in County Roscommon and ensure the 27 recommendations made by the external reviewers will be implemented as quickly as possible.

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