Phil Prendergast (Labour)

I would like the Leader to arrange a debate on the availability of adolescent psychiatric beds. I am concerned about the escalation in the suicide rate, particularly among young men. The lack of availability of such beds in all parts of the country is contributing to that unfortunate increase in no small way. Suicide is often an under-reported phenomenon in this country. The waiting list for adolescent psychiatric care in Dublin is quite long because just 12 beds are available. It is timely that we should have a debate on this matter.