Patricia Ryan (Kildare South, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I also thank the Deputies of the Regional Group for tabling the motion. I have spoken in this House on a number of occasions about the need to balance mental and physical health as we deal with this pandemic. I recently spoke in the debate of a Bill tabled by my colleague, Teachta Ward, regarding parity of esteem for mental health. It called for mental ill health to be given equal status to physical ill health. If we are serious about this, we must also give both types of ill health equal consideration from a preventative aspect. Aristotle is reported to have said "Before you heal the body you must first heal the mind", and he was far ahead of his time.

The winter plan was launched in September with no mention of mental health issues, which is a damning indictment of the Government's commitment to the area. We cannot allow mental health to be left in the cold.

It is a matter of life or death for some people. My heart goes out to those who have lost loved ones during the pandemic. Losing a person close to you is difficult at any time, but with the restrictions on visiting the sick or dying and attending funerals, it has been especially difficult. I know that many of the bereaved have been comforted by the fact that some people come out of their homes or workplaces when a funeral is going by to acknowledge in a small way the person's passing. We need to ensure that those who have been bereaved get the support they need.

I commend the work of groups such as Grow Ireland, Shine and Jigsaw, as well as HOPE(D) in Newbridge, which help people to cope with the stress of life, particularly the various stresses brought on by the pandemic. I have spoken at length previously in the Chamber about HOPE(D) in Newbridge. I have spoken to Terri, who works there. The complications around this issue are severe. HOPE(D) gets no funding but the HSE sends clients to it. That needs to change. It has adapted admirably to help those who are struggling to cope. It is to be hoped that, with the recent breakthrough on vaccines, there will be light at the end of the tunnel.

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