Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy has highlighted the two most important issues and I agree with and support her wholeheartedly on that. This is about each and every one of us looking after our mental health. I visited my father's grave last night for the first time in a while and it is almost nine years since he died by suicide. When I visit the grave, I always think about my mental health and that of the people around me. It is important that we continue to look out for ourselves and each other and that we allow a space where people feel they can talk about it, come forward and talk to each other, particularly with those in their family, close circle and community as well as with their friends.

When people decide to take that step forward, the support must be there for them when they need it and in the way in which they need it. I appreciate that we still have to make a lot of progress on some of the issues the Deputy highlighted. The Government has increased funding and developed HSE services, including specialist services and the various different programmes.

There is still a huge stigma around issues like eating disorders, not only for boys but also girls and in particular men. There is a particular problem there. I am concerned the Deputy says funding has not been spent. That is something I will raise directly with the Minister.

Domestic violence is an issue on which I am particularly focused and determined to address in my role as Minister for Justice. Again, there is a stigma when it comes to men who are victims of domestic violence, and I am trying to address that as part of Supporting a Victim's Journey but also other areas that do not come under health, such as rural transport, isolation, people being on their own and feeling they do not have anyone to turn to or that they are not connected to anyone. Again, that goes back to Connecting for Life. It is about looking at all the Departments to see where we can join up all the dots and make sure people have these supports and, when they do come forward, they are there for them.

I thank the Deputy for raising this important issue. There are a number of things she specifically raised that I will bring back to the Minister.

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