Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge the seriousness of the issue. Just before this session, during Question Time to the Minister for Justice and Equality, we had the opportunity to deal with the issue of cyberbullying and the adverse consequences on citizens' mental health. I am taking a legislative proposal in that regard. I acknowledge the work of Deputy Howlin, in particular, on this issue.

An additional €84 million will be provided for mental health services next year, bringing the total available funding for mental health to in excess of €1 billion. This is an increase of the order of 9%. I assure the Deputy that the Minister of State, Deputy Jim Daly, is engaging with stakeholders throughout the country to ensure that every effort is made to maximise the efforts on the part of Government to deal with what is a growing and difficult challenge across society.

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