Michael Collins (Cork South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Mental health must become a national priority as Ireland moves to a space where the pandemic has subsided. In its pre-budget submission, the Rural Independent Group sought an increase in funding of at least €85 million for mental health services this year to deal with the emerging mental health crisis in Ireland. Historical underinvestment has left us with mental health services that are subpar, if people can even access them at all. Unfortunately, the Government's increase in the allocation for 2022 is only half of what is required at €47 million. Only €24 million of that allocation is to go towards developing new services, as opposed to the €65 million sought by Mental Health Reform.

Across the country, many individuals were struggling to access the basic supports needed to stay well even before the pandemic but Covid-19 has further adversely affected the physical and mental well-being of many. I meet many people who are struggling in my clinics every week, as do my staff every day. We hear harrowing stories from people who have sought to access mental health services but have been unable to do so. Now more than ever, it is absolutely essential that Ireland has a fit-for-purpose, inclusive and responsive mental health system in which people can access the care they need when they need it.

Ireland's mental health services were under considerable pressure before the pandemic and are now experiencing unprecedented challenges. It is highly likely that these pressures will continue. Indeed, evidence from other countries indicates that they are only at the beginning of this surge. However, those other countries across the EU and elsewhere allocate a much greater percentage of their health budgets to mental health services. Ireland's mental health budget is approximately half that of most northern European countries. This is truly a shocking indictment of this Government's failure to fund our mental health services and look after people with mental health illnesses. The lack of proper services means that a tsunami of young people in Ireland are now seeking mental health care due to a lack of available beds.

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