Seanad debates

Thursday, 7 November 2002

Report of the Inspector of Mental Hospitals, 2001: Statements.

 

Several speakers have mentioned advocacy groups. I have been in this job only a few months but I see the role and evolution of these groups as one of the best things that has happened in the mental health and psychiatric areas. One does not have to agree with them all the time – and I do not always – but they are well meaning advocates for people with mental illness and intellectual disabilities, people who in many cases cannot speak out for themselves. The Department of Health and Children gave money to this sector last year and I will insist more money is made available in future because of the value of the wisdom and understanding of advocates, many of whom have family members who suffer from mental illness. It behoves us all, irrespective of where we stand on the debate, to listen to these advocates.

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