Michael Collins (Cork South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am happy to speak on this Bill and I thank Deputy Browne for bring it forward, as I believe mental health is an area in Ireland that has been neglected. According to the Healthy Ireland survey 2015, 10% of the Irish population over the age of 15 have a probable mental health problem at any one time. Everyone has somebody in his or her life who has an issue with mental health, whether it be depression, anxiety, stress, alcohol issues and-or drug issues.

Approximately 6% of the overall health budget is spent on mental health each year, which is totally inadequate and needs to be changed. The Government needs to fully realise its commitments to mental health and adequately invest in mental health and update current legislation in order to improve the mental health outcomes of adults and children living in Ireland.

I am hearing from my constituents about a number of issues around mental health. Many families tell us horrific stories when dealing with child and adolescent mental health issues. There are only 69 child and adolescent mental health services, CAMHS, teams when it is recognised we need 95 such teams to adequately cover the country.

Many of the child and adolescent mental health teams are inadequately resourced and as a result, the patients and families are suffering. It is vital that we have early intervention but, unfortunately, this is not always the case. The health service has stated that emergency response times to child and adolescent mental health issues should not be greater than 72 hours. We need 24 hours seven days a week access to our mental health services.

The issue of children and adolescents being admitted into adult mental health facilities is totally unacceptable and needs to be addressed. According to United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund, UNICEF, difficulties in accessing the mental health services and closure of beds are adding to the seriousness of Ireland's teenage mental health issues.

The UNICEF report states that Ireland's teenage suicide rate is the fourth highest among high earning countries. We need considerably more supports and treatment centres for people suffering from eating disorders. Some people suffering from eating disorders are being admitted into adult psychiatric hospitals due to the lack of specialised units. Supports for people with postnatal depression need to be improved. While I accept some improvements have taken place, a lot more needs to be done. I acknowledge the great work being done by self-help and advocacy groups across the country, such as Lisheens House in Skibbereen. The Men's Sheds Association is a good initiative. Organisations such as Pieta House are doing outstanding work. Without organisations such as Pieta House, our mental health service would be in a much worse position.

People suffering from mental health issues can no longer be seen as objects. They must be involved in a meaningful way in making decisions about their treatment and care and in any legislation that seeks to increase the standards of mental health care in Ireland.

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