Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

It is important when the House discusses the major issues of the day that we find time to think of the most vulnerable in society. In that regard, I compliment Senator Corrigan who has been proactive in raising important issues. The issue she raised today deserves our attention. We have all observed how people with psychiatric problems have been helped by being given a new life in the community. This gives them new hope and helps their families and communities which have responded by trying to help. Any suggestion this approach may be abandoned and replaced by hospitalisation is wrong and presupposes that the individuals in question would not be aware that they were moving from the community into the hospital setting. To do this would cause deep hurt and increase hopelessness. The House has an opportunity to show that it will act as one on issues of this nature. We must bear in mind that anyone can experience psychiatric problems, particularly in the stressful society in which we live. I call on the Leader to ascertain whether we can produce an all-party motion on the issue, which is not always on the radar. This would show that, notwithstanding the problems we are experiencing, we take a human attitude towards persons who are vulnerable. I ask the Leader to consider doing this in the coming days.