Dan Boyle (Green Party)

Senators want a large number of issues debated in the House. I will try to address the matters raised in the order in which Members raised them. As this is World Mental Health Day and in light of the recent report published by the Mental Health Commission, there is certainly scope for a debate on mental health issues.

Several speakers referred to teenagers being treated in adult facilities and the lack of treatment for certain conditions, including bodily perception disorders. While improvements are required in these areas, as Senator Callely noted, progress has been made on A Vision for Change, a policy document agreed by all those involved in the mental health sector. A debate would show that while much remains to be done in the area of mental health, considerable progress has been achieved. A common approach is required to address the stigma and difficulties experienced by those with mental health problems.

I wish to be associated with the congratulations extended to Deputy Dan Neville and the Irish Association of Suicidology. Suicide is one of a number of mental health sub-issues which require a debate in their own right. Ireland has one of the highest rates of suicide in Europe and the problem disproportionately affects young men. There is an onus on all of us to identify the reasons for suicide and develop common approaches to tackle them.

Senator Keaveney raised the issues of alcohol advertising and the attitude of Irish people towards alcohol abuse. The voluntary code of practice operated by alcohol vendors is a matter of contention. Government policy is to establish whether this approach works. In the event that it is found that the code does not work, the Government has undertaken to place on the Statute Book legislation it promised to introduce in the past. The House should have an opportunity to debate whether the code is working and if legislation is necessary.

When Senator O'Toole raised the issue of public appointments he was probably aware that I introduced a Private Members' Bill on this issue in the other House.