Ruairí Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

We have just heard the news of Israel deliberately firing on three UNIFIL positions in Lebanon. Our thoughts go out their families and those people who are engaged for us and others in peacekeeping. Obviously, this cannot stand in any way, shape or form. I imagine there is agreement across the House on that.

I am very glad we have this opportunity to speak about mental health. I am sure all elected representatives will have come across instances and issues in relation to families. The Minister of State and I have dealt with some difficult and complex issues for individuals and for families.

I could not have this conversation today without mentioning the recent loss through suicide of Mark Maxi Kavanagh who had a really close connection with Dundalk FC. People will also remember Harry Taaffe who was also lost to suicide in July 2020. From my own personal point of view, because unfortunately this is an issue that strikes every family, I wish to mention my wife Annemarie's brother, Paul Conroy, known as Molly, who we lost in December 2015. I would like to remember them and many others at this time. It highlights the importance of ensuring we have the supports to deliver the best service we possibly can.

I think some of my colleagues have spoken spoke about SOSAD, Save Our Sons and Daughters.

We are talking about an organisation that does huge work across the board and across a number of counties. I will talk specifically about County Louth in 2024. In Dundalk, there are 211 individual clients and 1,920 total sessions offered. In Drogheda, there are 553 individual clients and 6,857 total sessions offered. You are talking about an organisation that will get referrals from State services and other services that are funded. There is a particular issue. I know there was communication with the Minister of State on this but we seem to be caught in a crux. A meeting is required between SOSAD and - whatever about us - the Minister of State and the HSE, making sure that all the correct people are in the room, and that we can bring about a solution because it could be facing closure. That would be a disaster for a huge number of those people. I appreciate the Minister of State is open to that.

Earlier in the week a lot of us spoke about CAMHS and the fact the issues still have to be addressed. In 2020, there were 2,115 children waiting on a first-time appointment but there are now, as of our last read, around 3,681, and in CHO 8, which includes my area, that is 807. Five years ago, 223 children were languishing over a year on a waiting list for CAMHS. That number today is 504, and 141 are in CHO 8. We know all the issues that need to be delivered, whether we are talking about bed provision, community provision and the entirety. That is why it is absolutely vital.

When we talk about Louth-Meath mental health services and those 55 full-time equivalent positions that are not filled, that needs to happen. I was at an event earlier in Drogheda organised by the INMO, SIPTU and Fórsa on what they would call the suppression of posts. These are particular issues that need to be addressed as well as the ten-bed extension for the Drogheda department of psychiatry at Crosslanes. I mention resources because we know the Mental Health Commission has looked at Crosslanes and has seen a lack of staff at times.

There is also a big issue that I need to mention regarding assessment. In most hospitals, as I understand it, assessments are made in accident and emergency.

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