James O'Connor (Cork East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for taking the time to hear statements on the important issue of mental health. Covid-19 has posed fundamental challenges for people's mental health, as many individuals have experienced heightened stress, anxiety, fear or panic. We have come through a dark and dreary winter and we must be proactive to help people through these difficult times. The Covid-19 pandemic and its restrictions have been challenging for people in our society. People are social by nature and restrictions that reduced human contact have been particularly difficult. People miss their communities, friends and extended families dearly. Talking about our mental health and monitoring the mood of the public is essential. It is OK not to feel OK during this period. This time is difficult, but we will get through this.

As part of the response to these challenges, the Government has provided guidance and support for people to manage both their physical and mental well-being and to stay connected. Significant funds have been allocated to the Keep Well campaign, with €7 million being provided to support the delivery of a range of actions and support services, which will be rolled out over the coming months.

Isolation of people of all ages is a significant risk during the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly during periods of tight restrictions on movement and social interactions. The Community Call programme was introduced in mid-2020 to provide local helplines through local authorities for practical supports, information sharing and befriending. This has been exceptionally successful in my view from speaking to people who have interacted with these platforms. Working with partner organisations, including An Garda Síochána, NGOs and Volunteer Ireland, there is a particular emphasis on identifying and supporting those most at risk of isolation. I want to make the message clear; those feeling isolated are not alone in this and people are here to help them.

I would also like to highlight again the use of social bubbles. People in certain categories can form a support bubble with one other household. Those who can form a support bubble include those alone with children under the age of 18, those living alone, those sharing parenting or custody arrangements, those living with an adult to whom they provide care and those who live alone and have a carer or carers who support them. These times are difficult for everyone; there is no doubt about that. We need to try to do our best and get through this. I encourage people to look out for those who are isolated in our communities, to stay connected with those in their community and not to be too hard on themselves, which is important.

We have to accept the fact that the last number of months have been extraordinarily difficult for everybody. Nobody has had an easy ride during this pandemic. It has been quite a challenge and as the youngest Member of Dáil Éireann, I have to say that a lot of young people are suffering out there. We are quite conscious of that and unfortunately, it will be some time yet before we will be back to some degree of normality. I insist that the Government would continue to monitor the national mood for people who have never experienced any mental health difficulties and who are now feeling isolated and lonely. From interaction with people in my age group who were supposed to be going out into the world and starting their lives as young professionals after finishing up college education, many of those are reporting to me that they are feeling lonely and isolated. We have to show considerable focus in that particular area.

I wish the Minister of State well in her Department. I know she is doing a lot of significant and good work and I thank her.

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