Jim D'Arcy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Mullins has referred to mental health issues and I welcome the putting in place by Fine Gael of counselling services for Deputies and Senators who may be experiencing difficulties in their professional or personal lives in the wake of the tragic death last year of the Minister of State, Shane McEntee. This is a welcome development that should be extended to everyone in the Houses. It is particularly welcome in a week in which the Dundalk football manager, Stephen Kenny, has become patron of the SOSAD organisation, involving those whose sons and daughters have committed suicide. Its founder, Peter Moroney, stated he was absolutely thrilled when the Dundalk manager accepted an invitation to become patron of the body. He pointed out that suicide is a leading cause of death among young people and increasingly is being reported among the elderly, who often are dealing with issues of loneliness and isolation.

However, to revert to Deputies and Senators, I refer to the protests that took place yesterday. I went out only to be abused by a person from Dundalk who I knew by sight. Had I met him in Haggardstown, I would have done a John Prescott on him; no problem. However, Members are under pressure and in that context, I ask all Members to support the See the Light political walk in aid of mental health wellness and Aware, which is being organised by Oireachtas staff and by Miriam McLoughlin, from Dublin to Navan next weekend, that is, on 27 and 28 September. Incidentally, I have to hand a sponsorship card if anyone wishes to give me a few bob for it. While I acknowledge such debates have taken place previously, such issues are coming on-stream and good mental health is now part of daily parlance, albeit more needs to be done, and I would welcome a debate on mental health.