Joe O'Reilly (Fine Gael)

I join other Senators in passing my good wishes and congratulations to Senator Norris on donating his archive to the National Archives of Ireland. I am pleased to hear that additions will be made and that it is not complete yet.

I wish to develop the points raised by our leader, Senator Fitzgerald. I appeal to the Leader of the House to arrange an early debate yet again on the mental health services and to convey our concerns to the relevant Minister. This recent incident is a horrendous Christmas tragedy for the family of a fine young man from County Offaly who was engaged to be married and was building his new home. Our hearts go out to his family, as does the sympathy of the House.

It is shocking that the man involved had on three occasions sought admission to psychiatric care. I agree with Senator Glynn that there is a need for an immediate rigorous examination of the procedures to ascertain who he approached for help, why he was released and why he was not admitted. It was disturbing to hear the chief executive officer of the Mental Health Association of Ireland saying on national radio this morning that there is not sufficient funding for the implementation of A Vision for Change and that there is 50% less than the amount required.

Mental health remains the Cinderella of the health services. This should not be the case in a civilised society——