Gerard Craughwell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

First, I compliment Senators Hayden and Barrett on bringing forward the request for a debate on the transatlantic trade and investment partnership, TTIP. While I support both calls, I am not sure that I am as enthusiastic as is my colleague, Senator Barrett. I also wish to support Senator van Turnhout on the issue of children's mental health. In particular, if Members are to have a debate on that subject, the issue of guidance should be included. In such a debate, I also would ask the Health Service Executive why one entire group of psychologists is excluded from employment within the health service through the official means yet such psychologists can be employed unofficially.

In particular, however, I wish to comment this morning on the Germanwings flight. I am extremely disturbed to find that depression is being cited as one possible cause. Depression is a mental health issue and everyone lives and works with people all over the world who suffer severely from depression. Just because someone suffers from depression does not necessarily mean he or she will drive a car or an aeroplane into the ground.