Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for coming to discuss this all-important issue. I know from working with her previously how passionate she is about the subject and how committed she is to changing the way we think of mental health and resolving the issues.It is frightening that it is predominantly young men who are affected by these issues. There is a higher suicide rate among young men than young females. This morning, the Limerick Mental Health Association hosted a business breakfast with over 300 people in attendance. The theme of this year's event was employee well-being as a strategy. It not just about support; it is also about having a strategy. The event was sponsored by Edwards Lifesciences, one of the medical health organisations that are big employers in Limerick. It is great to see the combination between mental health associations and what they are trying to highlight with their members. The Minister, Deputy McEntee, has set out that a priority of the Department of Education and Youth is the promotion of positive mental health throughout the education services. Where further interventions are needed, we must ensure that trained professionals are available.

Senator McCarthy referred to the issue of dual diagnosis, where a person has a mental health issue and an addiction at the same time. I wish to highlight a matter on behalf of my colleague, Senator Ní Chuilinn, who is very passionate about this issue. I have visited the Coolmine treatment centres in Limerick and Dublin, as has Senator Ní Chuilinn. We acknowledge the wonderful work they do. Coolmine has a psychologist who works in its female section but such care is not available to male residents. The big issue is that when men have issues, they have to be sent to accident and emergency. Likewise, that is what it comes down to in youth mental health as well. I know the Minister of State is trying to resolve this, but an accident and emergency department is not the right or appropriate place for people when they have a mental health illness, a little breakdown or whatever. Could we look at having a segregated section or area that people see as a safe space? When people have an episode, they look for a safe space and for support. We also need more psychologists spread throughout the country. The provision of a separate section in accident and emergency units would be a big help.

We have to start early. I suppose education is the right place to start. Some of those who have come through the education system are now not feeling very well, perhaps due to pressure or different issues. It is important that we support the Limerick Mental Health Association and other mental health associations throughout the country because they do wonderful work in terms of working with different age groups ranging from the young to the not so young. These organisations make people feel very welcome and there is no stigma. Limerick Mental Health Association has a mental health café where they bring in people and sit down with them to have a conversation. This is great because it helps people to have discussions and share experiences.