Seanad debates

Wednesday, 22 June 2016

10:30 am

Photo of Helen McEnteeHelen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senators for their contributions. This debate has been useful, similarly the debate continuing in the main Chamber which is due to conclude. I assure Members I am taking on board absolutely everything that has been said. I may not be able to come back with a response on all the specific issues but I will certainly try my best during the course of the next couple of weeks.Across the political divide, there is a consensus that we need to improve services. We are all on the same page in that regard. It is important that we work together, listen to each other and work with the services to improve what is already in place. It is reasonable to say, however, there have been real and significant developments in the service initiated by the previous Government. I acknowledge the work taken on by my predecessor, Kathleen Lynch, and all of those in the Department.

Up to €115 million in additional funding has already been allocated to mental health services under the HSE’s national service plan. That funding is there to enhance all aspects of the service. New investment and new personnel have been directed towards developing specialised services which, up until now, did not receive the attention they deserve and need. I will stand over the commitment to increase mental health funding every year. Obviously, the restoration of the €35 million development fund was important to me and I am glad it is back. While I am Minister of State, I would like to say it would never happen again.

I acknowledge the work carried out by the HSE and the voluntary and statutory organisations because they are working with those who are often at the lowest point in their lives. It is a difficult environment and, with increased demands and resource limitations, we need to ensure they get all the credit they deserve.

There is a real and genuine will across all political parties to modernise our services and bring us in line with best practice. Fundamental to that is our attitude to mental health. While we have come a long way in a short time, there is still a long way to go. To reduce the stigma and isolation associated with this area, we need to start thinking of it in the same way we do physical illness. If a person breaks a bone or cuts himself or herself, he or she goes to an accident and emergency department or his or her doctor. If people feel under pressure or do not feel supported, we need to get to the point where they feel it is okay for them to seek help and the stigma is thereby reduced. In that regard, we need a concerted effort in respect of men in their 40s in the same way we targeted women through BreastCheck to deal with a specific problem and stop it at an early stage. We need such a programme to target men who are at risk, particularly those in the workplace. I hope to progress this in line with our connecting for life strategy and by placing a greater emphasis on health and wellness, early intervention and prevention. Education is key in this regard. My colleague, the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Bruton, is rolling out the wellness programme through his Department. Through my own task force, I would like to see it brought back to an even earlier stage.

The review of A Vision for Change is necessary but I agree that progress cannot be halted at the same time. The vision will not change, even with a review. The review needs to operate in tandem with continued investment and implementation. If changes are to be recommended at the end of the review, they should be incorporated into the policy.

As I have said previously, it is not just the Department of Health which needs to be dealing with this issue. It also touches on homelessness, the Traveller community, work environments and the judicial system, meaning I will need much support from my ministerial colleagues. I intend to ask them to identify key areas in which they need support from me.

I will come back to Senators on St. Loman's and other specific issues. If there are other specific questions I have not touched on, Senators can contact me about them.

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