Mary Butler
Waterford · Fianna Fáil · Ireland
“Major improvements are happening across services: enhanced access to proactive and preventive healthcare to support a better quality of life; the embedding and upscaling of women's health initiatives put in place through the implementation of the previous women's health action plans, including, as the Senator knows, free contraception, sp…”
“In relation to any proposal, a proposal for a new location requires a detailed business case, a premises, support from the regional HSE management, and the necessary funding to resource the staffing of the service. That is where I come into it and what I will be trying to do.”
“We are currently working closely with it to support the expansion of Jigsaw services to Waterford and the south east, as well as to County Clare. The location of Waterford was picked because we have no services in the south east at all. It is great that we will have the hub and spoke model the Senator spoke about.”
“That is where I do not agree with the Senator. I believe €180 million of funding ring-fenced for women's health, when we have come from a low base, is absolutely unbelievable.”
“The plan will build on our knowledge of women's health through research and innovation and will spotlight important areas such as endometriosis and cardiovascular health. Recently, the Minister announced €2 million in funding for women's health research.”
“This plan will continue to focus on how we can improve access to specialist endometriosis care and treatment. As the Senator knows, we have established two super-regional specialist centres, one in Tallaght University Hospital and another in Cork, alongside the development of five regional endometriosis hubs.”
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“Wednesday's business shall be: - Motion re Proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund Regulations 2025 (to conclude within 60 minutes) - Motion re Extension of Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2021 (to conclude within 60 minutes) - Motion re Proposed approval by Dáil Éireann to Authorise negotiations for an agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Korea on the transfer of Passenger Name Record data (to conclude within 60 minutes) - Motion re Proposed approval by Dáil Éireann for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Union support for asylum, migration and integration for the period from 2028 to 2034* - Motion re Proposed approval by Dáil Éireann for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Union support for internal security for the period from 2028 to 2034* - Motion re Proposed approval by Dáil Éireann for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Justice programme for the period 2028-2034 and repealing Regulation (EU) 2021/693* * To be debated together and brought to a conclusion within 60 minutes, with questions to be put on each motion separately - Motion for a Financial Resolution for the Health Insurance (Amendment) Bill 2025 (without debate) (to be taken no earlier than 5 p.m.”
“2) (two separate motions to be debated together and brought to a conclusion within 60 mins, with separate questions put on each motion and any divisions claimed to be taken immediately) - Supplementary Estimates for Public Services 2025 [Votes 2 and 6] (to be moved together and brought to a conclusion within 60 minutes; to be decided by one question and any division claimed to be taken immediately) - Health Insurance (Amendment) Bill 2025 (Second Stage) (to conclude within 3 hours and 34 minutes and any division claimed deferred to immediately before Committee Stage on Wednesday) Tuesday's private members' business shall be the Second Stage of the Victims of Sexual Violence Civil Protection Orders Bill 2025, selected by Sinn Féin.”
“I move: Tuesday's business shall be: - Motion re Sixth Report of the Standing Committee of Selection (without debate) - Motion re Referral to Committee of Proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of the Planning and Development Act 2024 (Modifications) (Regulations) 2025 (without debate and any division claimed to be taken immediately) - Financial Motions by the Minister for Finance [2025] (Financial Resolutions No. 1 and No.”
“The three new services to be developed next year will be established in the predominantly rural areas of Donegal, Kerry and the midlands. Additional suicide crisis assessment nurses, SCANs, will be recruited to support individuals presenting to GPs and funding has been increased for community and voluntary organisations, including Pieta. I thank the Senators for the opportunity to speak here today. I look forward to hearing the contribution of my colleague the Minister of State, Deputy Michael Healy-Rae, in the closing remarks. I apologise for going over time.”
“I was proud to launch the programme last year. This new version of it will complement existing farm safety, mental health and well-being programmes, including On Feirm Ground. Mental health remains a top priority in budget 2026, with over €15 million in new funding allocated to crisis support and suicide prevention. This includes specialist nursing teams in all model 4 emergency departments during out-of-hours periods and the roll-out of three new crisis resolution services such as drop-in Solace crisis cafés, which offer community-based alternatives to emergency departments in model 3 hospital areas. Early results from the five existing Solace cafés, one each in Galway, Sligo and Cork and two in Dublin, show an 18% reduction in emergency department presentations for people in distress.”
“Between 2000 and 2023, our suicide rates reduced by 28%. The preliminary figures for 2023 came in at 302, which is 25% lower than in the previous year. These will be revised upwards as coroners' reports come in but, at the same time, we are seeing a trend. The work of the national office for suicide prevention, Pieta, the Samaritans and all of the various organisations on the ground is having an impact. That is really important. Alongside this new initiative for men, Connecting for Life is our national suicide prevention strategy. The HSE’s national office for suicide prevention is teaming up with a range of stakeholders from the farming community to support farm-focused scenarios that help guide suicide intervention efforts. These scenarios will feature in the HSE online suicide prevention training programme, Let’s Talk About Suicide.”
“My team in the Department met over 1,200 GPs online in September to let them know that these supports are available and free of charge and that 15,000 counselling hours are available and recur annually. This is all about improving and saving lives. It is all about creating a culture where men feel it is okay to say they are not okay. It is about ensuring that when a man reaches out for help, the help is there quickly, locally and without judgment. It is also about knowing that recovery is possible. We know that early intervention works, that talking saves lives and that when men engage with mental health services, outcomes improve dramatically. Unfortunately, four out of every five suicides are of males. Two thirds of all counselling supports accessed today will be accessed by women.”
“Included will be a targeted media campaign using the full range of communication channels available, including social media, paid search and local radio, as well as a co-ordinated approach to stakeholder engagement with a range of voluntary and community partner organisations, including men’s sheds. I have partnered with Exchange House, which supports Travellers, and Óglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉireann, ONE, which represents retired veterans from the Army, Naval Service and Garda. I have also partnered with MyMind because many men work on farms having come into Ireland on permits. They speak a variety of languages and MyMind provides support in 20 different languages. That was another barrier we discovered was a problem. We have already partnered with the Irish College of GPs, which is aware of all these supports.”
“By removing that barrier, we are sending a clear message: help is available and it is free. These sessions will be delivered in person and online, ensuring flexibility for men in rural areas, men with busy work schedules and men who feel more comfortable starting their journey in a private setting. Sitting at a kitchen table, people can self-refer to Counselling Connect from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. seven days a week and speak to a professional counsellor about whatever is going on. People can have up to six phone calls, and if they feel at that stage they would like to meet the counsellor in person, that can and will be arranged. The HSE is currently running a national awareness campaign aimed at breaking down stigma and encouraging men to take that first step.”
“This is a significant initiative, with the provision of over 15,000 free counselling sessions for men every year, backed up by €2 million in dedicated annual funding. The programme started on 1 September and will be delivered in partnership with trusted providers such as Connect Counselling and MyMind. Farmers can access these counselling sessions for free through GP referral and yourmentalhealth.ie/men . Anyone who comes into a constituency office or get in touch will find it easy to log on and they will be able to see all of the supports that are provided. It is important that these supports are free, and they are, because cost should never be a barrier to mental health supports. Too often men delay seeking help because they fear the financial burden.”
“This is an excellent example of cross-government working, and I acknowledge the leadership demonstrated by my colleagues on improving farmer health and well-being. It demonstrates a whole-of-government approach, cofunded by our two Departments. This collaborative working is key to our collaborative cross-government working, which is underpinned by our national mental health policy, Sharing the Vision. We know from the CSO farm structure survey that the vast majority, 86%, of farmers are men, and I have recently launched a new free programme of mental health and counselling supports for men. I was delighted to launch it with Senator Daly at the ploughing championships recently.”
“While studies have also revealed that Irish farmers are experiencing a range of challenges and stressors that are negatively impacting their mental health, it is important to note that research by Teagasc has found that, overall, the incidence of death by suicide among farmers is not significantly different from the general population. Farmers have good resilience, and we must work to sustain and support this. On Feirm Ground is an innovative partnership programme between my Department and the Department of agriculture which trains agricultural advisers, vets, departmental staff, farming organisations and other agri-professionals to recognise and respond to signs of stress or mental ill health among farmers and refer appropriately.”
“Improving access to mental health supports and services for all farmers, men and women, is a priority for us to progress as a Government. The Minister of State, Deputy Healy-Rae, has secured €3 million in dedicated funding in budget 2026 to deliver an expanded range of farm safety, health and well-being initiatives. According to Teagasc, most farmers experience some stress, with a small proportion experiencing it frequently or constantly. However, the minority of farmers who have poor well-being must have access to and receive the necessary supports.”
“The result is that farmers are considered a group that is at risk of developing mental health issues, and we know from research that farmers face higher levels of anxiety and depression than the general population. In Ireland, one in four farmers faces burnout, which is a state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion caused by long-term involvement in emotionally demanding situations. Over time, there can be an accumulation of mental health risks and then a reluctance to seek help. Farmers are very self-reliant people and it can be hard for them to reach out for support. The Government recognises this and that is why there is a specific focus in the programme for Government on farmer mental health and well-being. I am committed to working collaboratively with the Minister of State, Deputy Healy-Rae, to advance this area.”
“When I spoke in the Seanad in May on mental health and suicide reduction, there was strong engagement from Senators and I look forward to a similarly constructive debate today. We have said it before, and it is worth repeating: there is no health without mental health. For farmers, this rings especially true. They are the backbone of our rural communities and economy, yet they face unique pressures and challenges. Farming is a real vocation and it can be a fulfilling and rewarding occupation, but it is not an easy job. It is high pressure and demanding, which brings with it very real risks and stressors to the health of our farmers.”
“I welcome those in the Gallery to Seanad Éireann. I welcome the opportunity to be here today for statements on the important topic of farmer mental health and farm safety. I am joined by my colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Healy-Rae. I thank Senator Paul Daly for requesting these statements, which cover an important topic. At the ploughing championships in September, we jointly launched a new free programme of mental health supports for men, which I will speak about today, but it is great to continue our collaboration in this area. As Minister of State with responsibility for mental health, I particularly welcome today’s statements, the first time we have dedicated a session specifically to farmer mental health. This is a topic that demands urgent action and attention.”
“I thank the Deputy for this important question. All emergency departments should have a separate, quiet assessment place. That is in Sharing the Vision. I will liaise with the REO, Tony Canavan, in relation to why that is not the case. To support people who attend emergency departments in crisis, across the road from Galway University Hospital, in 2022, I opened a crisis cafe to support people while they wait to attend the emergency department. We have seen an 18% reduction in those who need to attend the emergency department as a result of that crisis cafe. In budget 2026, I secured funding for 40 whole-time equivalents for model 4 hospitals to put crisis nursing teams into emergency departments out of hours to support non-consultant hospital doctors, which should have a significant impact.”
“I do not want any child waiting, but I certainly do not want any child waiting over 12 months, so I am on top of that. In relation to a child not being accepted, that is a clinical decision in which I cannot interfere, unfortunately.”
“I thank the Deputy very much for his question. There were 4,047 children on the CAMHS waiting list nationally in September 2025, a decrease of 97 from 4,144. We have seen a reduction of 445 children in the last five months. I have taken to the car and visited 21 CAMHS teams in the last five months to try to get under the bonnet as to why some teams are doing really well and some are not doing as well. In 2025, CAMHS teams received funding of €170 million. An additional €30 million was provided in the last two years and, unfortunately, we only saw the waiting lists going in one direction. However, I am pleased to say that we have seen a reduction of 11% over the last five months and a reduction of 18% for those waiting over 12 months. I have met each regional executive officer, REO, in the six regions and asked them about this.”
“In response to Deputy McDonald, under Standing Order 35(3) and as the Taoiseach said earlier, the Minister met Harvey's parents this afternoon with the Tánaiste, Simon Harris. I will speak to the Minister about Deputy McDonald's request and try to table that for next week. In response to Deputy Gibney, the occupied territories Bill is receiving priority publication by the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel. In response to Deputy Murphy, I would give a similar answer in relation to the CHI. In response to Deputy Collins, it does not come within my remit as Chief Whip or the Business Committee's to move any writ, but I am sure the Taoiseach has heard the Deputy. We can discuss Uisce Éireann at tomorrow morning's Business Committee meeting. The Order of Business stands.”
“notwithstanding anything in Standing Order 177(2), the proceedings on Second Stage of the Forty-first Amendment of the Constitution (Reduction of Voting Age to Sixteen Years) Bill 2025 shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion after 2 hours.”
“the statements on Science Week shall not exceed 2 hours and 25 minutes and the order of speaking and allocation of time shall be as follows: ( a ) the arrangements for the statements, not including the Ministerial response, shall be in accordance with the arrangements contained in the table immediately below (to be read across, not down); ( b ) following the statements, a Minister or Minister of State shall be called upon to make a statement in reply which shall not exceed 10 minutes; and ( c )members may share time; and Gov SF Lab Gov SF Mins 25 15 10 10 3 SD Gov SF IPTG Gov Mins 10 10 3 9 10 SF ITG Gov SF OM Mins 3 9 10 3 5 3.”
“Gov SF Lab Gov SF Mins 20 20 20 12 4 SD Gov SF IPTG Gov Mins 20 12 4 20 12 SF ITG Gov SF OM Mins 4 20 12 4 20 In relation to Thursday's business, it is proposed that: 1. the ordinary routine of business as contained in Schedule 3 to Standing Orders shall be modified to the following extent: ( a ) no motion for a Committee report pursuant to Standing Order 111 or Private Members' Bill pursuant to Standing Order 169 shall be taken; ( b ) private members' business pursuant to Standing Order 168(1) and Standing Order 176 shall be taken for 2 hours on the conclusion of the statements on Science Week; and ( c ) topical issues shall be taken on the conclusion of private members' business, and the Dáil shall adjourn on the conclusion of topical issues; 2.”
“the proceedings on Second Stage of the Social Welfare and Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings System (Amendment) Bill 2025 shall be brought to a conclusion after 3 hours and 34 minutes and the following arrangements shall apply: ( a ) the arrangements for the first speaking round shall be in accordance with those contained in the table immediately below (to be read across, not down); ( b ) on the conclusion of the first speaking round or where speeches conclude before the 3 hours and 24 minutes have elapsed and no other Member is offering, a Minister or Minister of State shall be called upon to make a speech in reply which shall not exceed ten minutes, whereupon proceedings shall be brought to a conclusion; and ( c ) Members may share time.”
“shall be taken immediately; 2. the proceedings on the motion re referral to joint committee of proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund Regulations 2025 shall be taken without debate and any division claimed thereon shall be taken immediately; 3. the proceedings on the motion re leave to introduce Supplementary Estimates for Public Services 2025 [Votes 2, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 14, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 31, 36, 37, 38, 40, 42 and 45] shall be taken without debate and any division claimed thereon shall be taken immediately; and 4.”
“and shall adjourn on the conclusion of topical issues; ( b ) Other Members’ Questions pursuant to Standing Order 38A shall be taken immediately following Leaders’ Questions pursuant to Standing Order 38, with consequential effect on the commencement times for the items following in the ordinary routine of business and on the time for the adjournment of the Dáil; and ( c ) in the event that Second Stage of the Social Welfare and Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings System (Amendment) Bill 2025 concludes before 7 p.m., and a division is claimed on the proceedings thereon, the sitting shall stand suspended until 7 p.m., and any division claimed on the proceedings on Second Stage of the Bill shall be taken on the resumption of the sitting: Provided that any division claimed on the Second Stage proceedings after 7 p.m.”
“Thursday's business shall be: - Statements on Science Week (not to exceed 2 hours and 25 minutes) Thursday's Private Members' business shall be the Second Stage of the Forty-first Amendment of the Constitution (Reduction of Voting Age to Sixteen Years) Bill 2025, selected by Social Democrats. Proposed Arrangements for this week’s business: In relation to Wednesday's business, it is proposed that: 1. the ordinary routine of business as contained in Schedule 3 to Standing Orders shall be modified to the extent that, notwithstanding the provisions of Standing Order 34(1)— ( a ) the Dáil shall sit later than 10.48 p.m.”
“I move: Today's business shall be: - Motion re referral to joint committee of proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund Regulations 2025 (without debate) (any division claimed to be taken immediately) - Motion re leave to introduce Supplementary Estimates for Public Services 2025 [Votes 2, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 14, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 31, 36, 37, 38, 40, 42 and 45] (without debate) (any division claimed to be taken immediately) - Social Welfare and Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings System (Amendment) Bill 2025 (Second Stage) (to conclude within 3 hours and 34 minutes; any division claimed to be taken no earlier than 7 p.m.) Wednesday's private members' business shall be the motion re cost of motoring, selected by Sinn Féin.”
“No. There is no need to. The Deputy can still raise it under that. I have taken on board what has been asked in relation to energy, Fastway Couriers, and the nitrates derogation, on which we had a lengthy discussion this morning. All are important and will be considered at the Business Committee meeting.”
“I commend the Deputy on not missing an opportunity. I have taken notes on all the issues that were raised. I believe that what Deputy Murphy has raised is covered under tomorrow's statements on international protection processing and enforcement. That debate will be on for three and a half hours and will be taken by the Minister for justice, Deputy Jim O'Callaghan. The Deputy will have the opportunity to raise his concerns about safety then.”
“in relation to the proceedings on the Second Stage of the Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2025, the following arrangements shall apply: (a) subject to subparagraph (ii), the proceedings shall, if not previously concluded, be interrupted and stand adjourned after 3 hours and 24 minutes and the order of speaking and allocation of time shall be as follows: (i) the arrangements for the first speaking round shall be in accordance with those contained in the table immediately below (to be read across, not down); (ii) where speeches conclude before the 3 hours and 24 minutes have elapsed and no other member is offering, a Minister or Minister of State shall be called upon to make a speech in reply which shall not exceed 10 minutes; and (iii) members may share time; and (b) the proceedings shall not be resumed on Thursday.”
“and shall in any event be taken on the adjournment of proceedings on Second Stage of the Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2025, or where those proceedings conclude within the allotted time, on the conclusion thereof, with consequential effect on the commencement time for Second Stage of the Arts (Recognition of Comedy) (Amendment) Bill 2024 and on the time for the adjournment of the Dáil; and (b) the Dáil on its rising shall adjourn until 2 p.m. on Wednesday, 12th November, 2025; and 2.”
“the proceedings on the Motion for Further Revised Estimate 2025 [Vote 33] shall be taken without debate and any division claimed thereon shall be taken immediately. In relation to Thursday's business, it is proposed that: 1. (a) the ordinary routine of business as contained in Schedule 3 to Standing Orders shall be modified to the extent that topical issues may be taken earlier than 7.24 p.m.”
“or on the conclusion of the Statements on International Protection Processing and Enforcement, whichever is the later, and shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion after 60 minutes by one question which shall be put from the Chair, and which shall, in relation to amendments, include only those set down or accepted by the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment; 4. the proceedings on Committee and remaining Stages of the Electricity (Supply) (Amendment) Bill 2025 shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion either at 12.10 a.m. or after 4 hours, whichever is the later, by one question, which shall be put from the Chair, and which shall, in relation to amendments, include only those set down or accepted by the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment; and 5.”
“the Statements on International Protection Processing and Enforcement shall not exceed 3 hours and 32 minutes and the order of speaking and allocation of time shall be as follows: (a) the arrangements for the statements, not including the Ministerial response, shall be in accordance with the arrangements contained in the table immediately below (to be read across, not down); (b) following the statements, a Minister or Minister of State shall be called upon to make a statement in reply which shall not exceed 10 minutes; and (c) members may share time; Gov SF Lab Gov SF Mins 35 25 15 15 5 SD Gov SF IPTG Gov Mins 15 15 5 12 15 SF ITG Gov SF OM Mins 5 12 15 5 8 3. the proceedings on Report and Final Stages of the Employment (Contractual Retirement Ages) Bill 2025 shall be taken either at 7 p.m.”
“and shall in any event be taken on the conclusion of the Motion for Further Revised Estimate for Public Services 2025 [Vote 33]; (b) pursuant to an Order of the Dáil of 21st October, 2025, Parliamentary Questions to the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation pursuant to Standing Order 47(1) shall be taken immediately following the SOS, with consequential effect on the commencement time for Government business; (c) in the event that the Statements on International Protection Processing and Enforcement conclude before 7 p.m., the sitting shall stand suspended until 7 p.m.; and (d) any motions to be taken without debate shall be taken on the conclusion of proceedings on the Electricity (Supply) (Amendment) Bill 2025; 2.”
“notwithstanding anything in Standing Order 177(2), the proceedings on Second Stage of the Education (Affordable School Uniforms) Bill 2025 shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion after 2 hours. In relation to Wednesday's business, it is proposed that: 1. the ordinary routine of business as contained in Schedule 3 to Standing Orders shall be modified to the following extent: (a) the Dáil may sit later than 9.30 p.m. and shall adjourn on the conclusion of the weekly division time, which may be taken later than 8.45 p.m.”
“the proceedings on the Second Stage of the Electricity (Supply) (Amendment) Bill 2025 shall be brought to a conclusion after 3 hours and 34 minutes and the following arrangements shall apply: (a) the arrangements for the first speaking round shall be in accordance with those contained in the table immediately below (to be read across, not down); (b) on the conclusion of the first speaking round or where speeches conclude before the 3 hours and 24 minutes have elapsed and no other member is offering, a Minister or Minister of State shall be called upon to make a speech in reply which shall not exceed 10 minutes, whereupon proceedings shall be brought to a conclusion; Provided that any division claimed on the Second Stage proceedings shall be taken immediately prior to Committee Stage on Wednesday; and (c) members may share time; and Gov SF Lab Gov SF Mins 20 20 20 12 4 SD Gov SF IPTG Gov Mins 20 12 4 20 12 SF ITG Gov SF OM Mins 4 20 12 4 20 4.”
“the following arrangements shall apply to the proceedings on the Motions for Financial Resolutions for the Finance Bill 2025: (a) the motions shall be moved and decided together by one question which shall be put from the Chair; (b) the proceedings thereon shall be taken without debate; and (c) any division claimed thereon shall be taken immediately; 3.”
“Proposed Arrangements for this week’s business: In relation to Tuesday’s business, it is proposed that: 1. the ordinary routine of business as contained in Schedule 3 to Standing Orders shall be modified to the following extent: (a) the Dáil may sit later than 10.48 p.m.; (b) Parliamentary Questions to the Taoiseach pursuant to Standing Order 47(1) shall not be taken, and Government business shall commence at the time when Parliamentary Questions to the Taoiseach would normally be taken; and (c) private members' business may be taken later than 6.12 p.m. and shall in any event be taken on the conclusion of Second Stage of the Electricity (Supply) (Amendment) Bill 2025, with consequential effect on the commencement time for Parliamentary Questions to the Minister for Education and Youth, and on the commencement time for topical issues; 2.”
“and to conclude within 60 minutes) - Electricity (Supply) (Amendment) Bill 2025 (Committee and remaining Stages) (if not previously concluded, to conclude either at 12.10 a.m. or after 4 hours, whichever is the later) - Motion for Further Revised Estimate for Public Services [Vote 33] (without debate) (back from committee) (any division claimed to be taken immediately) Wednesday's private members' business shall be the Motion re Decriminalisation of People who use Drugs, selected by the Labour Party. Thursday's business shall be: - Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2025 (Second Stage) (if not previously concluded, to adjourn after 3 hours and 24 minutes) Thursday evening business shall be the Second Stage of the Arts (Recognition of Comedy) (Amendment) Bill 2024, sponsored by Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh.”
“I move: Tuesday's business shall be: - Finance Bill 2025 - Financial Resolutions (without debate) (to be moved together and decided by one question; any division claimed to be taken immediately) - Electricity (Supply) (Amendment) Bill 2025 (Second Stage) (to conclude within 3 hours and 34 minutes, with any division claimed to be taken immediately prior to Committee Stage on Wednesday) Tuesday's private members' business shall be Second Stage of the Education (Affordable School Uniforms) Bill 2025, selected by Sinn Féin. Wednesday's business shall be: - Statements on International Protection Processing and Enforcement (not to exceed 3 hours and 32 minutes) - Employment (Contractual Retirement Ages) Bill 2025 (Report and Final Stages) (to be taken no earlier than 7 p.m.”
“The movement works towards a world where men take action to be mentally well and are supported by those around them. I encourage everyone to support Movember and similar campaigns in order to keep men's mental health a national priority.”
“I thank the many organisations, advocates and individuals who have worked tirelessly to improve men's health in Ireland. Their efforts are making a difference, and together we can build a society where every man feels supported, valued and able to thrive. The Government is committed to that vision. We will continue to invest, innovate and lead the way in mental health policy because every life matters and every man matters. I acknowledge the important role of initiatives like Movember. Every November thousands of men across Ireland and around the world grow a moustache - not just for fun but to spark conversations about men's health, raise awareness of mental health challenges and fund vital research and support services. Movember looks at mental health through a male lens, focusing on prevention, early intervention and health promotion.”
“We will invest in digital mental health solutions to reach men who may never walk into a clinic but will engage online. We will strengthen collaboration with employers, sports organisations and community groups to promote mental well-being in every setting and for everyone. Everyone in this House and beyond has a role to play in changing the conversation about men's mental health. We need to challenge outdated notions of masculinity that equate vulnerability with weakness. We need to create spaces where men can talk openly and seek help without fear of judgment. To the men listening today: your mental health matters. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness; it is a sign of strength. Whether you are struggling with stress, anxiety or depression or simply feeling overwhelmed, help is there. Take the first step. It could change your life.”
“It is about creating a culture where men feel it is okay to say, "I'm not okay." It is about ensuring that when a man reaches out for help, the help is there quickly, locally and without judgment. It is also about knowing that recovery is possible. We know that early intervention works, we know that talking saves lives and we know that when men engage with mental health services, outcomes improve dramatically. We also know there is no health without mental health. Of course, we cannot stop here. This initiative is a major step forward but it must be part of a broader journey. Over the coming years, we will continue to expand community-based mental health supports, including peer-led programmes and men's sheds initiatives. We will continue to tackle health inequalities, ensuring that marginalised groups are not left behind.”
“We now have lots of people in the country whose first language is not Irish or English. They come in on permits and they might need access to mental health supports as well, so having MyMind providing those supports is really important. I hope that this campaign will feature real stories from men who have benefited from counselling because nothing is more important than hearing from someone who has walked the same path. We have also partnered with the Irish College of GPs, which is aware of all these supports. My team in the Department met with over 1,200 GPs online in September to let them know that these supports are available and free of charge and that there are 15,000 counselling hours available and they are recurring. This is about saving lives.”
“I hope everybody working in members' constituency offices will become aware of this in order that they can signpost people to supports that are available free of charge. We will run an online campaign very shortly to get the message out there. It will be a national awareness campaign aimed at breaking down stigma and encouraging men to take that first step. Included will be a targeted media campaign using the full range of communication channels available, including social media, paid search and local radio as well as a co-ordinated approach to stakeholder engagement with a range of voluntary and community partner organisations. I was very keen to have MyMind on board because it provides counselling supports in 20 different languages around the country.”
“Sitting at your kitchen table, you can self-refer to Counselling Connect from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. seven days a week and speak to a professional counsellor about whatever is going on for you. You can have up to six phone calls, and if you feel at that stage you would like to meet the counsellor in person, that will be arranged. We are funding dedicated services for men who have worked in our Defence Forces through ONE, the organisation for ex-service personnel. We are also investing in targeted outreach for Traveller men, ethnic minorities and LGBTQ+ men, who face additional barriers and higher risks. This is about equality as well as equity. Once again, the website is yourmentalhealth.ie/men .”
“The programme started on 1 September last and will be delivered in partnership with trusted providers such as Connect Counselling and MyMind, an organisation that offers supports in 20 different languages. Men can access these counselling sessions for free through GP referral and yourmentalhealth.ie/men . Why is this important? Because cost should never be a barrier to mental health supports. Too often men delay seeking help because they fear the financial burden. By removing that barrier we are sending a clear message: help is available and it is free. These sessions will be delivered both in person and online, ensuring flexibility for men in rural areas, men with busy work schedules and men who may feel more comfortable starting their journey in a private setting.”