Catherine Noone (Fine Gael)

I am glad Senator Keane drew our attention to the Headstrong survey. This is an issue which I have raised regularly and I will not stop doing so until we make an impact. Headstrong surveyed 14,000 young people in this country and found that one in three had mental health problems. One fifth had considered self-harm and six out of ten were stressed about their financial situation. The economic situation of the country is affecting our young people. The alcohol consumption of almost 60% of 17 to 25-year-olds fell outside the normal parameters set down by the World Health Organization. There is a clear connection between alcohol consumption and mental health. It is well known in adults and it cannot be denied in respect of our youths. I join Senator Cáit Keane in calling for a debate on youth mental health. The clear link with alcohol is undeniable. We must have an urgent, joined-up approach. Monkey sees as monkey does and there is a clear problem with drink in this country and in our culture. Unless we tackle it in a serious way in the short term, the health and mental health implications will be insurmountable. I call for an urgent debate with various Ministers, as Senator Keane suggested. We need it next week. I have been talking about this since the day I was elected but something must be done. The Seanad should be the House where we really tackle this issue.