Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Jim Daly, to the House for this important debate and I acknowledge the work he has undertaken to bring about improvements in this challenging brief.I also acknowledge his input into, and attendance at, the public hearings on this topic. The issue of children's mental health is of major concern to all Members. When the Seanad Public Consultation Committee, SPCC, was established in 2011, it was given the task of engaging directly with the public on matters of public policy. At the commencement of this current Seanad, when choosing its first topic for public consultation, the committee unanimously selected - on the proposal of Senator Joan Freeman - children's mental health services.

Given the importance each and every member of the committee afforded the issue, the committee issued a public invitation for written submissions and we were pleased with the phenomenal response we received. The committee sought submissions from all stakeholders, including the users of the service, those who provide the service, clinicians, doctors, psychiatrists and psychologists and policymakers. I sincerely thank all those who participated in the process. I was particularly grateful to the parents who presented to the committee during the public hearings. Listening to them relay their stories in their own words was a humbling experience for me and for other committee members. Each family's story made for compelling listening and strengthened our resolve that this public consultation should seek to ensure real and meaningful improvements in the provision of children's mental healthcare.

Our mental health can change as we go through life. I am sure all of us know somebody in our family, circle of friends or community affected by mental health issues. The effect this can have on family and friends cannot be overstated. Research indicates that mental health problems tend to begin when we are young and that by the age of 13, one in three people is likely to have experienced some type of mental distress. That is the time support and resources are vitally needed. Early intervention is essential when a child is in crisis, as delaying the provision of appropriate care can result in a child's condition worsening. The proper delivery of child and adolescent mental health services, CAMHS, is dependent on having the appropriate staff to deliver those services.

Mental illness should be treated no differently than physical illness. The evidence presented to the committee shows that if we invest in early intervention, we will make savings into the future as the number of crisis cases presenting will be reduced. Ireland should work towards a situation where supports are available nationally seven days a week and 24 hours a day. Otherwise, the gardaí, the voluntary sector and families have to step in when out-of-hours mental health services are unavailable. The committee believes the recommendations set out in its report are a valuable and timely input into the review of mental health services currently under way. We look forward to engaging further with the Minister of State, Deputy Jim Daly, who takes a strong interest in the issue. On behalf of the Seanad Public Consultation Committee, I sincerely thank Senator Joan Freeman for proposing this topic and for acting as rapporteur in the drafting of this report. We all acknowledge Senator Freeman's tremendous work in helping vulnerable people in our society.