Maria Corrigan (Fianna Fail)

Other speakers mentioned the ESRI report published this morning. Listening to it I was struck by how essential it is that supports would be put in place. Previous speakers mentioned the importance of retraining opportunities, freeing up credit to small and medium businesses and the flexibility of banks towards mortgage holders. Those are essential and they are happening but it is also essential that we put in place supports for people's psychological well-being. Job loss and financial anxiety and worry are directly linked to the onset of depression and substance abuse such as alcohol and drugs, and these are risk indicators. They increase the risk of suicide.

I ask the Leader if it is possible to invite the Minister of State, Deputy Moloney, to the Chamber to allow us examine the way limited resources can be specifically targeted at those most in need and how those limited resources in the area of mental health and psychological well-being would reflect the changing times we are now in and offer practical supports to people who, having listened to these reports this morning, may find themselves close to panic.