Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I am pleased to have the opportunity to discuss in this House the important issues of mental health and suicide prevention. Mental health and well-being are important to each and every one of us. This is a complex and sensitive issue and something I know that Members will keep in mind when discussing the matter here today.

A Vision for Change is widely considered to be a progressive, evidence-based and realistic policy document, based on a new model of service delivery which will be patient-centred, flexible and community-led. We have been working to move away from the old institutional model of service delivery to providing more comprehensive care in a variety of settings, including the home, the community and in hospital. This common objective requires a change in attitudes generally towards mental health, especially in eliminating the stigma associated with mental illness, as well as the prioritisation of the limited resources which are available to us.

I acknowledge that implementation-----