Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister. It is good to see action aimed at increasing mental health supports in response to the Covid-19 pandemic but we know issues were already present. According to the statistics, work-related stress, depression or anxiety account for 44% of work-related sickness and 54% of work days are lost because of it. The number of women who experience mental health difficulties in pregnancy and afterwards is one in five. It is, therefore, important to talk about women's mental health and prioritise action. All aspects of the mental health services are being improved and developed through the implementation of this national mental health policy, Sharing the Vision. The commitment has been given by the Minister of State, Deputy Butler. It is an action plan that will be there for the long term and it is a long-term commitment. That is so important.

The Minister mentioned the different working groups. Has the reference group of service users and family members been established and if not, what is the timescale for that?

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