Frank Feighan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Yesterday was World Mental Health Day. The overall objective of the day was to raise awareness of health issues and to mobilise efforts in supporting mental health. I can say with a fair degree of certainty that no family in this country has not been affected directly by the issue of mental health, whether depression, anxiety, alcohol and drug issues. I absolutely agree with Senator Black on many of these issues. We all have an obligation to continue to reduce the stigma around mental health distress. It has been a pivotal factor in promoting the importance of mental health.

I am staggered by the factor that the rate of youth suicide in Ireland is the fifth highest in the European union. Older people, especially older men, may also be vulnerable. Suicide is affecting an increasing number of Irish people of all ages. We should endorse Mental Health Day and we must work together to try to erase the stigma of mental health distress.