Niall Ó Donnghaile (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I am definitely going to mention Ms McManus too. The Minister of State is most welcome. I sincerely acknowledge Senator Máire Devine's role in the preparation of this timely Bill and bringing it to us on such a significant and important day. I am, however, one of those who are very firmly of the view that every day should be World Mental Health Day. The legislation seeks to give young people, in the first instance, the capacity and the ability to affirm, assert and engage based on their own needs and judgment on to what they should be entitled, that is, a right to access the treatment they have decided they need. It is not a coincidence that Senator Máire Devine was a psychiatric nurse. It shows how diverse and active Seanad can be in the discourse on political and social issues that on such an appropriate day such an important Bill has been brought before us on Second Stage. As mentioned, Ms McManus had a significant input into its compilation. As well as being Senator Máire Devine's adviser and right-hand woman, as she put it, she is possibly also the psychiatric nurse of those of us in Sinn Féin. She is a great support to us and obviously broader society when she helps to craft legislation such as this.

I will make two brief points, the Acting Chairman will be glad to hear. I am not trying to take away from the positive contributions made thus far, but I wish to make two political points. This is, after all, a political Chamber. First, it looks as though the Bill will be passed on Second Stage tonight. We are voting to give young people the capacity to determine their own needs in seeking access to mental health treatment, care and services, but this will not matter a jot if the necessary and appropriate services are not available to them. We all need to acknowledge, separate from this significant legislation, that we need to work, collectively and collaboratively, to address the broader problems. Not just for young people but for people across the generations, accessing the mental health services they need at an appropriate time and location can be a chronic problem

My colleague, Senator Frances Black, touched on the second point I wish to make. If we vote to pass the Bill on Second Stage tonight, without reference to any amendment that might be tabled on a later Stage, we are acknowledging rightly - this is good - that young people have the capacity to decide their own needs and make responsible and informed judgments on their health and well-being. If we accept this, I do not see why the Government opposes the argument that we should enfranchise young people to vote at the age of 16 and 17 years. I will not digress too much, but I am sure the Senators who have spoken and those who will contribute on later Stages would give young people a bit of béalghrá and plámás them by telling them how valued and important they are. I do not doubt their sincerity on this issue, but when it comes to others, I just wish they would value the input, wherewithal and capacity of young people.