Maire Devine (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I echo the sentiments of Senator Freeman on the great success of the Darkness into Light walks. I do not believe I was that generous at 3 o'clock last Saturday morning in the Phoenix Park. Well done to her.

The Senator was correct in stating that this and previous Governments over the past 15 years have taken a fiscal scalp to mental health services. The Leader should not tell us that funding for these services has improved. The hundreds of thousands who participated in the walks throughout this country last Saturday are proof that they know that more services are needed. The percentage funding allocation for mental health has decreased from 14% over 15 years to 6%. This sector is not the Cinderella but the burnt ashes of our health services. There is no more to be got from the services - new fuel is needed. More services are needed and more finance is needed to allow that to happen.

I congratulate the National Youth Council of Ireland on the launch today of a portal, Youth Mental Health Signposting tool, on its website, which everybody, young and old, can access for training, communication and information on children's rights. It is a simple, accurate, clear and available signposting tool that will advise people where to go in times of need and trouble. It is also a useful tool for education and training purposes for our young people. The council recognises that our people need support and the provision of targeted mental health services. I commend it on this work. It has produced excellent work to support and assist our young people to reach out for help when needed.