Maria Corrigan (Fianna Fail)

I rise to support Senators Fitzgerald, Feeney, McFadden and others who have raised the issue of mental health and have again asked the Leader for a debate. I welcome his commitment to hold a debate before 1 March. This is important, as 1 March will clearly be the start of a landmark year.

Senator Harris hit the nail on the head when he remarked that there must be political will to bring about change. This is why politics is important and why good people must become and stay involved. There is political will to bring about real change within mental health services. This will be a landmark year for mental health services, but meaningful change must be achieved. The Minister of State, Deputy Moloney, has made it clear that he is on that road. The Seanad is also on that road. We have an amazing opportunity not only to ensure that all people with mental health challenges will have quality services, but to support and enhance the mental health and psychological well-being of everyone. We can make this our clear and achievable objective.