Maria Corrigan (Fianna Fail)

I join colleagues in extending deepest sympathy to the bereaved families and communities in Cork and Limerick following the tragedies yesterday. Senator O'Toole also made reference to the recent article in The Irish Times and the challenge we faced in meeting mental health needs. In a debate in the Chamber last week we looked at the impact of the recession on people's mental health and psychological well-being. There was cross-party support for the efforts of the Minister of State, Deputy Moloney, to protect as far as possible the budgets for mental health and disability services in the forthcoming budget. A people plan and support for people's psychological well-being in the current crisis should be essential components of the recovery plan. None of us knows for sure what goes on in anyone's life. However, the recession will take a toll, in human as well as political and economic terms. I urge anyone who is struggling to talk to someone, to pick up the telephone and talk to his or her family, friends, GP or someone a help line. This is not something that has to be borne alone.

I am sorry Senator Buttimer has left the Chamber.