Susan O'Keeffe (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank my colleagues who attended last night's debate on a thoughtful and constructive Private Members' motion relating to mental health issues. One of the many matters that were raised during the debate was the Irish Penal Reform Trust's report on women prisoners in the Dóchas Centre, which has been raised again this morning by Senator Hayden. I support the call for a wider debate on homelessness, which was highlighted in yesterday's report on the number of women who are in prison, or have been in and out of prison, and who need treatment and counselling but do not get it. Many of them find themselves going through the revolving door and returning to the crowded circumstances they have just left. In many of these cases, homelessness is at the back of the dilemma that leads to offending. I thank Senators again for yesterday's debate. Some of them observed that we have discussed this issue on many occasions. I think it is right and proper for us to keep the many aspects of the complex issue of mental health on the agenda. I suggest we should return to the matter in the new year with the same energy and enthusiasm as before.