Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Mental health is a subject that is important to me.It intersects with almost every issue that we deal with in this Chamber. Sometimes, we get so caught up in the intricacies of the legislative process and haggling over the granular details, that we fail to comprehend the immense emotional and psychological impact of the issues we debate. When we think of the costs of the mica crisis, we can estimate the cost of rebuilding homes and the incidental practical costs such as emergency accommodation in hotels, but we must also consider the mental health fall-out of this disaster, that is, the stress of living in crumbling homes and the anxiety of families over their safety and future. Their anger at being let down by those in power must be horrendous. These feelings are difficult to accommodate and, for many, they will leave a lasting impact. We must ensure there are adequate supports available to help everyone who has been wounded during this saga recover, not just materially, but psychologically and emotionally.

I commend the people and families impacted by this disaster and the communities that have rallied around them. They have shown extraordinary resilience, courage and tenacity. By sharing their stories, demanding political and media attention and protesting in great numbers, they have made themselves impossible to ignore. I have to say well done to all.