Dáil debates

Tuesday, 2 July 2019

Mental Health Services Reports: Motion [Private Members]

 

9:50 pm

Photo of Robert TroyRobert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the opportunity to contribute to the debate. I congratulate Deputy Browne on his tireless efforts advocating on behalf of patients and the families of those who suffer mental health issues. Not only has he repeatedly pointed out the failures on the part of the Government, he has been to the fore in proposing solutions. For example, last year's Bill would have ensured that greater emphasis was placed on the autonomy of individuals than on the reliance on the principle of best practice as set out in the 2001 Act.

The recent report from the Mental Health Commission is worrying and highlights major deficits within mental health services, including issues of seclusion and physical restraint of young people. Last year, 84 children and teenagers were admitted to adult units. That is an appalling figure by any stretch of the imagination. Last week, there was a debate at the Council of Europe on ending coercion in mental health services and the need for a human rights-based approach. The Commissioner for Human Rights referred to how "a coercion-based mental health system perpetuates the isolation of the very persons who need the support of their community the most, which in turn fuels more stigma and irrational fear". The report's rapporteur pointed to the fact that there was "not enough scientific evidence to prove the usefulness of coercion in reducing harm, whereas there [was] abundant evidence for the harm – and sometimes irreparable harm – that involuntary placement and treatment can cause for patients". We need to reduce the stigma around and barriers to the provision of mental healthcare so that persons are empowered to seek and participate fully in treatment as early as possible.

Staffing levels remain a serious concern. Services in some parts of the country have fewer than half the recommended number of staff required for CAMHS as set out in A Vision for Change. This is simply not good enough. More than 300 people have been waiting a year or more for access to mental health services.

The House is failing on this issue. The Government is abysmally failing this most vulnerable sector of society.

I acknowledge the good work done by many community groups such as Good 2 Talk in Mullingar. Were it not for their work, the waiting lists would be far longer. It is high time to accelerate recruitment and work towards full implementation of A Vision for Change because if we do not, the long-term consequence will be irreparable damage, as stated last week by the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights.

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