Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I wish both Ministers of State well. There is a big job of work to be done here. Mental health is just the poor relation. There are so many problems. CAMHS services are non-existent in Clonmel. Where services exist, some consultants - not a lot - are exploiting the situation by not treating patients in the public service and instead forcing them into the private service. Much investigation needs to be done there. We had local heroes. Colm Ryan was a famous gentleman from Ballymacarbry in the county of the Minister of State, Deputy Butler. He was a wonderful man who helped in so many areas, raised funds for so many issues and supported so many people. There was devastation when he ended his own life. For his sake and the sake of dozens of people like Colm Ryan who have ended their own lives since - it is so sad - we need to be able to do something for people who are struggling. Going to an accident and emergency department, such as the mad accident and emergency unit in Clonmel, is not an option. We do not have a single long-stay bed in County Tipperary. People who have psychotic attacks have to go to the accident and emergency service. It is not acceptable.

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