Conor McGuinness (Waterford, Sinn Fein)

I agree that young people in particular are under huge stresses in this day and age. There is of course a need to constantly improve our acute mental health services, particularly for young people - children and adolescents. As I said, there is a need for early intervention and that wellness piece. There are great organisations working on the ground across Waterford and I met Pride of the Déise recently with Deputy Cullinane and understand the needs of the LGBTQI community. That is important. There is also Waterford and South Tipperary Community Service and Foróige, which the Minister of State mentioned. They are all making the case for additional youth mental health services, both in the community and on the acute side. There is a fantastic organisation called Laochas on the ground in Waterford promoting emotional and mental well-being among young children. Those need to be supported, but this is about equality as well. Waterford and the south east is the only region in the State without access to Jigsaw services. We all know, particularly after Covid, the need for face to face, physical services to be available. I ask the Minister of State to make the commitment that we will drive this on.

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