Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party) | Oireachtas source

I welcome and congratulate both Ministers of State on their positions. From reading the reply, I note that the goal of this policy is to focus on the mental health of the whole population, which is a very welcome statement. Perhaps something that has not been addressed in this working document is the mental health of a certain sector of society, namely, carers. Who is looking after the carers? When I started in politics a long time ago - 20-something years ago - I went to a carers' conference in UCC. I listened to a lady talking about her life caring for her husband. What she said always stuck with me. In fact, it left an indelible mark.

She told me she met her neighbour every day and for 22 years, he would ask, "How is John today?", but nobody ever asked, "How is Mary?" I do not think we are concentrating on the mental health and needs of those who are caring for their children, siblings or parents. I note that, according to a Healthy Ireland survey, 17% of parents who are caring for children are suffering with mental health issues. It is also worth noting that the survey reported that 15% of people who are caring for elderly parents, which is a percentage well above the international norm, have registered as having mental health problems. This is not being looked after. We must realise that people are under tremendous stress. It is not just about getting a break from looking after somebody for one week out of the 52 weeks of the year. It is a 24-7 job. To care for somebody is an active role that requires inner strength. The Government is not giving enough wrap-around services and we are not asking who is caring for the carers.

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