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

The lack of mental health services in Ireland is having a significant impact on people with mental health problems. Many people must wait months or even years to access services, which can be detrimental to their mental health and well-being.

Due to a shortage of mental health professionals, many children are not able to access the care they need when they need it or are only able to access limited care. The lack of mental health services can contribute to the stigmatisation of mental illness, as people may feel ashamed or embarrassed about their condition if they cannot access the help they need.

In the short time available, in addition to the problem with access for children to mental health services, I also wish to raise with the Minister of State, Deputy Butler, the situation with the mental health unit in Bantry General Hospital. I asked her to intervene in this issue. The HSE told me it would appeal the successful intervention, but it appears that will not happen now and that we are going to lose beds. It is an astonishing situation that the Deputy and Senator in west Cork seem to believe that it is a good deal. It is not a good deal: it is a shocking deal for the people of west Cork. We cannot afford to lose one bed, never mind the three beds in the unit that have been mentioned. I again urge the Minister of State to do what I have previously asked her.

See this speech in context