Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister. I remind him, though I know he is very much on top of his portfolio, that Cavan-Monaghan was the worst-hit area in the country by number of Covid-19 cases. With that in mind, the area requires particular attention.

I would like to direct a question at the Minister of State, Deputy Butler. Covid-19 has presented huge mental issues for the young and the old. In Cavan and Monaghan we have some amazing volunteers who run voluntary organisations like SOSAD. My own town has the Bailieborough Mental Health Organisation. These organisations are all run on a voluntary basis. Organisations like that and constituencies like mine need State funding and comprehensive support for the volunteers working on the ground. Jigsaw does amazing work throughout the country. I know the Minister of State has met representatives from that organisation in her short time in office. I would love to see Jigsaw come to County Cavan and County Monaghan. Unfortunately, we have had very high rates of suicide in the two counties. Could the Minister of State outline her vision for that? For fear of running out of time, I would like to pass a little message to Deputy Donnelly from Castleblayney Care Housing Association, particularly from Ms Sheila Cumiskey, who has spearheaded that amazing organisation, as the Minister knows. The association was delighted to receive him some time ago. Its members have asked me to relay their congratulations to him. They have big plans for their second phase of operations with Drumillard and its residents association, and they look forward to the Minister's help and support in bringing it to fruition.

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