Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I extend my deepest sympathies to the family of Brandon Roche. It is a very sad situation for his family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.

Prevention is the key in terms of mental health more generally, but it begins earlier in life. The most important programmes are the social, personal and health education, SPHE, programmes in primary schools where children build up self-esteem, mutual respect and the values that hopefully can build resilience in life. All schools are now developing well-being curricula and programmes to try to demonstrate the interdependence of all of us, if one likes, and the need to help each other as we grow and develop in life.

We have invested. We have done a lot with non-governmental organisations in the mental health advocacy area. We fund a lot of those organisations, including Jigsaw and Pieta House. They received well over €100 million. They engage with young people and help them when their mental health is impaired or under pressure or when issues arise.

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