Dáil debates

Thursday, 9 December 2021

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate

Mental Health Services

3:05 pm

Photo of Maurice QuinlivanMaurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his response. I really appreciate it. The only concern I have is with regard to the third and fourth quarter of 2022 and I hope it will be done sooner than this. People in Limerick, the Garda Síochána and people who will be involved in this will not be found wanting in delivering the service, which I genuinely believe will be a game changer for many people who find themselves vulnerable. As I mentioned earlier, the community responders include Limerick Suicide Watch, Limerick Treaty Suicide Prevention and the Haven Hub. Their job will be made easier. This initiative will divert people from having to go to the accident and emergency department in Limerick which, as the Minister of State knows, is well overcrowded. For years it has consistently had the highest number of people on trolleys.

This is a very welcome initiative. I believe it will work very well. It will save lives and that is what we are about. I hope that when people see something as positive as this working well in Limerick it will be rolled out throughout the State. I hope to God it will work well in Limerick. I believe it will if we get the resources and support. I imagine areas will be shouting for it once we get it up and running.

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