Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for facilitating today's important debate on mental health. I recently received a copy of the HSE Psychosocial Response to the Covid-19 Pandemic. It is certainly a well-thought-out document. It identifies the needs of various segments of society and the proposed action points. It also highlights specific relationships that we can all develop to keep us well and to stay well. It provides an overview of the seriousness of the mental health impact that the pandemic has had on Irish society. The document highlights children and adolescents as comprising a priority group that requires particular consideration.

In my constituency, two organisations — Mindspace Mayo and Mayo Mental Health Association — provide significant support to people in a relatively wide range of age groups. Mindspace Mayo provides support to those between 15 and 25 and it has hubs in Castlebar and outreach services in Ballina and Erris. However, I am particularly concerned about the supports for people under 15 because there seems to be no organisation in Mayo catering for them specifically. They are experiencing extreme disruption in their daily lives. Normal supports, such as school and friends, are not available during the current restrictions. Jigsaw provides services to youths from 12 years of age but it is based in Galway and Roscommon. I would be grateful, therefore, if a dedicated service for youths between 12 and 15 could be established in Mayo.

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