Paudie Coffey (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I also wish to put on record my views regarding the Brexit negotiations that all agree are at a critical and sensitive stage. I acknowledge the work of the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste, Deputy Coveney, and the Minister of State with responsibility for European Affairs, Deputy McEntee, for the sterling work they are doing on behalf of every citizen of this country and for being a voice for those citizens in the North of Ireland who may feel their concerns are not being heard. There is no doubt but that it is in the interests of the entire island of Ireland that a resolution be found and that there is no hard border. One cannot underestimate the importance of a unified approach from the Republic. I acknowledge the support of all political parties here in the Republic of Ireland, as well as the support from the EU 27 for our negotiating team at this critical time.

Only last week, I heard representatives from the Newry Chamber of Commerce voice a very similar position to that held by the Irish Government, which was there should be no hard border. It also was in favour of a customs union. The contradiction here and the great irony is that I am sure that many members of that business community north of the Border are supportive of the DUP, Sinn Féin, and other parties. That is where the dichotomy is. I hope a resolution can be found to give those people a voice in the political sphere at this sensitive time.

I also wish to raise concerns regarding a regional and local issue that is happening today in Waterford and Kilkenny. Psychiatric nurses are protesting the under-resourcing for mental health services in both St. Luke's General Hospital and University Hospital Waterford. The Psychiatric Nurses Association, PNA, represents the psychiatric nurses who feel they are left with no other recourse due to overcrowding and staffing pressures due to the demands in both centres.I ask the Deputy Leader to make time available for a debate on the policy relating A Vision for Change, which is supposed to be adhered to by the HSE, and also on the budget for mental health. The management of the HSE is not responding to the demands and pressures on the ground. We need a debate in order that we might discuss the provision of adequate resources for those who are in need within our mental health services. It is not good to see psychiatric nurses, who do sterling work at the coalface, having to take to the picket lines to raise their concerns. We need action by Government. I ask the Deputy Leader to join me in taking up the baton on behalf of the psychiatric nurses who are trying to deliver these essential services.