Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank my colleagues who drafted this legislation and acknowledge, in particular, Ms Grace McManus, for her work in its drafting. She is a young woman who is committed to dealing with the issue of mental health, on which she is a campaigner. It speaks volumes that she worked with Senators Máire Devine and Fintan Warfield in producing the legislation. It is important for us to acknowledge those who work as advisers and assistants in these buildings.There is sometimes a perception that Deputies and Senators produce legislation, and there is a bit of ego in that, but those of us who know how this place works realise it is the people who work in our teams and have a passion who drive these things forward. I am glad that tonight we are calling out the name of one of those people and giving her the credit she deserves.

I want to tell the Minister a wee story that touches on an area of his responsibility. I knew a family in Donegal and learned this story after the event. The daughter was self-harming on an ongoing basis. The family were deeply alarmed and repeatedly sought psychiatric assistance for the daughter in Donegal and each time each time they could not get it. This happened not long ago. They brought her to Derry city where the health services broke the rules by treating her, and thank God they did because I am not sure that young woman would still be alive today otherwise. She got the help she needed and today she is thriving. She has her degree sorted, has graduated, and is in professional work. That is the reality of the failure for young people.

When organisations like Jigsaw and similar support agencies emerged, we believed we were moving in the right direction but it is clear, when one looks at the waiting lists for CAMHS, that the resources are not being pulled in where they are required.

I needed to tell that story today. I believe the Minister of State is committed to reversing the position but we need more of his senior Government colleagues to support him in that process. All we need to do is table parliamentary questions or talk to those working at the front line of these services to learn about their exasperation at their inability to give the supports they want because of the caseloads they carry.

We fail young people in these Houses. I am being kind when I say "we" because I mean those who have historically been the political establishment in this State. They knew young people did not vote in the same way other cohorts of society voted. There was no political reward for delivering for young people. If that political reward was available, young people would not have to wait the length of time they do for the assistance they need.

Thankfully, the young woman survived the utterly disgraceful failure of the State and her family got through it all, although they had to cross the Border to get help. While she is thriving, I wonder how many young people are in early graves because of our societal failure.

That is why this legislation is important. It is another step in the right direction, not just in giving support services to young people but empowering young people to make decisions for themselves, with professionals, in the event that their family may not be stepping up to do what needs to be done. This important legislation is part of the overall message to young people to reverse the mistakes, ignorance and stupidity of the past. Well done to my colleagues.