Mark Ward (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I compliment the Sinn Féin Whip for making sure the Ceann Comhairle had the correct list of names and I suggest Fianna Fáil get its ship in action and do it properly.

When the first lockdown and restrictions were introduced last year, they caused concern and increased people's worries and anxiety levels. People who had a history of mental health problems were adversely affected. A proportion of the population also experienced mental health problems for the first time. This resulted in a significant increase in demand for mental health services, be they HSE, NGO, charity or voluntary mental health services. We heard at the Covid committee from stakeholders that Ireland was on the brink of a tsunami of mental health issues and that Ireland's mental health services are out of date and not fit for purpose. This is a damning indictment of years of systemic failures by successive Governments in failing to prioritise mental health provision in the State.

One of the highlights of a very difficult year was how communities rallied around each other. They looked out for our most vulnerable. It was like a throwback to my youth in north Clondalkin, where people had little but gave what they had. This time it is different. People are worn out and tired. There was a sense then that we are all in this together and we are all in the same storm. We might all be in the same storm but we are definitely not all in the same boat.

I have listened to the debate and I have heard from others in the Opposition that the Government failed to prepare adequately between lockdowns in the provision of health services. With regard to mental health, the Government not only failed to prepare but it also decreased the percentage of funding for mental health provision. During a global pandemic that has significantly impacted on people's mental health, the Government reduced proportionate funding. The percentage of the overall health budget allocated to mental health services has fallen by 1% to 6% despite the growing demand for such services at every level. This reduction is outrageous and highlights the lack of understanding the Government has of the inadequacy of current services. This reduction comes despite Sláintecare recommending that 10% of the overall health budget should be allocated to mental health, which is still below international recommendations. Currently, Ireland is at 6%. Ireland is now a first world country with a third world mental health system. Urgent action is needed. We need to start providing 24-7 emergency access to mental health supports so people can access the care they need, when they need it and where they need it.

Free universal GP referral to counselling would be a positive step forward. GP organisations that I have met have indicated that their members would be willing to host these services on-site - a one-stop-shop, so to speak, for physical and mental health services - but what we need now is a plan. We need a roadmap and we need it to be resourced and put into action, particularly during this pandemic. As I said earlier, we might all be in the same storm but we are all not in the same boat. I would go further and say that some people have been thrown overboard and left to fend for themselves because of the lack of access to mental health supports.

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