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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“the Statements on Nursing Homes and Care of Older Persons shall be interrupted and stand adjourned after 2 hours and the order of speaking and allocation of time shall be as follows: (i) the arrangements for the statements shall be the same as those agreed for the Statements on Housing yesterday; (ii) any speaking slots which are not reached may be taken on Wednesday, 18th June 2025, in accordance with the agreed sequence; and (iii) members may share time.”
“In relation to Thursday's business, it is proposed that: 1. notwithstanding anything in the Order of the Dáil of yesterday, the ordinary routine of business as contained in Schedule 3 to Standing Orders shall be modified to the extent that topical issues shall be taken on the conclusion of the Statements on Nursing Homes and the Care of Older Persons, with consequential effect on the commencement time for Second Stage of the Criminal Law (Prohibition of the Disclosure of Counselling Records) Bill 2025 and on the time for the adjournment of the Dáil; and 2.”
“I move: That, where appropriate, the Order that each Bill listed in column 1 of the Schedule hereto be considered in Committee of the whole Dáil is hereby discharged, and that each Bill listed in column 1 is respectively referred to the Committee listed in column 3, established to consider such matters pursuant to Standing Order 103(2)( b ) and 188(1).”
“I thank the Deputy for her question and for raising the issue of mental health supports for the Travelling community. It is great to hear it being raised on the floor of the Dáil. I have worked very closely with the Travelling community, including visiting Pavee Point on many occasions. We also fund Exchange House in Dublin, specifically in relation to suicide prevention. I am pleased to say that we have seen the suicide numbers trending downwards. The preliminary figures we received for 2023 indicate that the numbers are down 25% on the previous 20 years, to 302. That said, it is still 302 too many. This year I have supported community workers in relation to mental health across the entire Travelling community. We also have suicide bereavement supports in place across the country.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Cheann Comhairle. Many statements referred to "RTÉ Investigates" last week. I think everybody was horrified and scandalised at what we saw. I am in talks with the Minister to secure time to have this debated. I will revert back to the various whips. We discussed the Citywest hotel at the Business Committee the week before last. Time will be found for that as well. In relation to Aontú's proposal, it is not accepted.”
“the Statements on Fisheries 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.”
“the proceedings on Committee Stage of the Mental Health Bill 2024 shall, if not previously concluded, be interrupted and stand adjourned either at 9 p.m. or after 4 hours, whichever is the later, and shall not be resumed on Wednesday. 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 extent that topical issues may be taken earlier than 7.24 p.m. and shall in any event be taken on the conclusion of the Statements on Fisheries, with consequential effect on the commencement time for Second Stage of the Criminal Law (Prohibition of the Disclosure of Counselling Records) Bill 2025 and on the time for the adjournment of the Dáil; and 2.”
“the proceedings on the Motion re Proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of the terms of the Agreement between the European Organization for Nuclear Research and Ireland, and the Protocol on the Privileges and Immunities of the European Organization for Nuclear Research shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion after 60 minutes and the following arrangements shall apply thereto: (a) the order of speaking and allocation of time shall be as follows: opening speech by a Minister or Minister of State – 10 minutes; speeches by representatives of Sinn Féin, the Labour Party, Social Democrats, Independent and Parties Technical Group, and Independent Technical Group – 7.5 minutes per party or group; speeches by Other Members – 7.5 minutes in total; and a speech in response by the Minister – 5 minutes; and (b) members may share time; and 4.”
“the proceedings on the Motion re Proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of the Recommendation for a European Council Decision authorising the opening of negotiations on an agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Kazakhstan shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion after 1 hour and 50 minutes and the following arrangements shall apply thereto: (a) the order of speaking and allocation of time shall be as follows:- - opening speech by a Minister or Minister of State – 10 minutes; - speeches by representatives of Sinn Féin, the Labour Party, Social Democrats, Independent and Parties Technical Group, and Independent Technical Group – 15 minutes per party or group; - speeches by Other Members – 15 minutes in total; and - a speech in response by the Minister – 10 minutes; and (b) members may share time; 3.”
“when the order of business shall resume with Committee Stage of the Mental Health Bill 2024; and (c) the weekly division time may be taken later than 8.45 p.m., and shall be taken on the adjournment of proceedings on the Mental Health Bill 2024, save where the proceedings on that Bill conclude within the allotted time, in which case the weekly division time shall be taken on the conclusion thereof, with consequential effect on the time for the adjournment of the Dáil; 2.”
“and the time allotted to Government business shall be extended in accordance with the arrangements for that business; (b) in the event that the Motion re Proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of the terms of the Agreement between the European Organization for Nuclear Research and Ireland, and the Protocol on the Privileges and Immunities of the European Organization for Nuclear Research concludes before 5 p.m., the sitting shall stand suspended until 5 p.m.”
“the Statements on Housing 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 In relation to Wednesday’s business, it is proposed that: 1. the ordinary routine of business as set out 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 the time allotted for Government Business shall be extended in accordance with the arrangements for that business; and (b) private members’ time may be taken later than 6.12 p.m. and shall in any event be taken on the conclusion of the Statements on Housing, with consequential effect on the commencement times for the items following in the ordinary routine of business, namely, Parliamentary Questions to the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, and topical issues; 2. the proceedings on the Motion re Referral of Government Bills to Select Committees shall be taken without debate and any division claimed thereon shall be taken immediately; and 3.”
“or after 4 hours, whichever is the later) Wednesday’s private members' business shall be the Motion re Ending the Central Bank’s facilitation of the sale of Israel Bonds, selected by the Social Democrats. Thursday's business shall be Statements on Fisheries (not to exceed 2 hrs and 25 mins). Thursday evening business shall be the Second Stage of the Criminal Law (Prohibition of the Disclosure of Counselling Records) Bill 2025, sponsored by Deputy Ruth Coppinger. 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.”
“Wednesday's business shall be: - Motion re Proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of the Recommendation for a European Council Decision authorising the opening of negotiations on an agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Kazakhstan (to conclude within 1 hour and 50 minutes) - Motion re Proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of the terms of the Agreement between the European Organization for Nuclear Research and Ireland, and the Protocol on the Privileges and Immunities of the European Organization for Nuclear Research (to conclude within 1 hour) - Mental Health Bill 2024 (Committee Stage) (to commence no earlier than 5 p.m. and, if not previously concluded, to adjourn either at 9 p.m.”
“I move: Tuesday's business shall be: - Motion re Referral of Government Bills to Select Committees (without debate and any division claimed to be taken immediately) - Statements on Housing (not to exceed 3 hours and 32 minutes) Tuesday's private members' business shall be Motion re Urgent action on Vacant Council Housing, selected by Sinn Féin.”
“I accept that such processes and applications can take time and I recognise the challenges faced by the Loreto Centre Crumlin and the good work that is undertaken there. However, these steps are essential and the HSE is not in a position to provide funding in the absence of certainty as to the legal status, the clinical governance arrangements and the financial sustainability of the organisation. The HSE is available, however, should any guidance on the necessary work be needed. I encourage the Loreto Centre Crumlin to continue to engage with the HSE locally on this matter. My Department and I will continue to liaise with the Deputy. I can arrange to pay a visit to see the good work that is undertaken there to see if we move this on.”
“I assure the Deputy that any applications that come for funding are not treated as box-ticking exercises. Ensuring the correct corporate and clinical governance is in place is particularly important for any organisation that will potentially be providing talk therapies on behalf of the HSE. The most appropriate avenue for the application for funding is through the section 39 process administered by regional HSE mental health services management. That is how it works throughout the country. Through this process, it can be determined whether the necessary criteria are fulfilled and what service need exists. I am glad that the HSE is already engaging with the centre. I expect that the engagement will continue as the committee progresses the restructuring of the governance of the service.”
“The HSE is not in a position to provide funding in the absence of the information necessary to provide assurance and corporate and clinical governance, but it is happy to continue engaging with this organisation.”
“The HSE must be assured that the proposed new legal structure, which has been established, is compatible with the required corporate governance structures for the administration of section 39 funding. The HSE must also be provided with an indicative timeline for the completion of the establishment of the new structure and the composition of the governing body of the new structure along with the proposed arrangements for clinical governance under the new structure. Ensuring the correct corporate and clinical governance is in place is standard across all organisations. It is particularly important for any organisations that will be potentially providing talk therapies on behalf of the HSE as a recipient of public funding. They are essential and appropriate steps on the road to providing funding to any organisation.”
“The committee has advised the HSE that it intends to form a company limited by guarantee and apply to the Charities Regulator for charitable status for the new entity. There is no existing relationship between the Loreto Centre Crumlin and the HSE, but the recent meeting explored the current funding of the centre's services and the financial situation facing the organisation at this time. I understand the committee is planning to use existing funds to refurbish the centre's therapy rooms and to bring six new therapy rooms into service after which there will be approximately 15 months of running costs left in its reserves. The HSE advises that further discussions are required between local leadership in the regional health area and the service to discuss the scope of the service it wishes to provide on behalf of the HSE.”
“All such organisations must make an application for section 39 funding, which is then assessed by regional HSE mental health services and advanced depending on a variety of conditions, such as the organisation supplying the required clinical and corporate governance information, local operational and clinical considerations and the HSE's budgetary constraints. I understand a meeting took place in recent weeks between the HSE and the Loreto Centre Crumlin to explore the current issues facing the service. The HSE reports that the legal status of the service is in flux, as the service and building are currently being transferred from the ownership of the Loreto Sisters to a new entity to be established by a committee made up of members of the local community.”
“This includes significant investment in mental health voluntary and community organisations, which receive substantial funding of €110 million euro from the mental health budget each year. This includes national organisations such as Mental Health Ireland, Pieta, Shine, Jigsaw, the Samaritans, MyMind, BeLonG To and many other smaller regional organisations doing vital work in their communities. Funding to regional voluntary and community organisations is arranged through the section 39 process, administered by HSE mental health services locally, once necessary criteria are met and where a need has been identified.”
“I thank the Deputy for raising this important matter in the House. I commend the Loreto Centre Crumlin on the good work it does, which last year saw the centre providing counselling services to 230 clients in the community, with almost 3,000 counselling sessions recorded in 2024. I understand that, in recent years, the centre has received funding from a number of public bodies, including Tusla, the Department of Social Protection, the City of Dublin Education and Training Board, Dublin South City Partnership and Dublin City Council. The centre does not currently have any funding relationship with HSE mental health services. It is a priority of Government to promote positive mental health and reduce the burden of mental health difficulties for all, supported by substantial investment in mental health services each year.”
“I look forward to hearing further from the board and executive of CHI on implementation of the recommendations in an open and transparent way.”
“Parents must be facilitated in the communications under way with families regarding arrangements and next steps currently available to them. Their questions must be answered and they must be able to trust and rely on the health services in place to treat children. It is crucial families are updated and communicated with in a transparent and timely manner and their worries, questions and feedback are listened to closely as the response to this issue rolls out. The important question still remains for parents of whether the surgery their child had met the proper standard. That question must be answered for each and every person who asks and it must be answered by the clinicians and not us as politicians.”
“It is important to highlight that clinical follow-up is under way for children who have had these procedures. This has to be the immediate priority and I welcome that these patients are front and centre. I also welcome that letters are being issued to families and that appropriate follow-up arrangements will be put in place, taking into account each individual case, the age of the child and where he or she had his or her surgery. We cannot leave patients or their parents questioning something in a letter or unsure if the latest piece of information actually relates to them. I was shocked to hear, even though I only heard it anecdotally in the House today, that in the letters it has been requested only one parent attend with a child. That is absolutely appalling and we will have to rectify that.”
“Children’s Health Ireland and the clinicians that work there have a job of work to do to restore and rebuild trust with children and families. We can all have our say on all sides of the House but what matters most, and what is most important for me, is the families get answers to all the questions they have arising from the report. The Minister for Health has directed a strong and urgent response to the report with the children, parents and families at the centre of the response. Children’s Health Ireland needs to now continue to respond without equivocation. I note the apology from the chief executive that families were not offered one consistent and excellent standard of care and that children were simply let down. CHI is acting swiftly to provide answers to patients and families.”
“This is my tenth year speaking in the Dáil and representing my constituents. There have been tough days where I had to stand up and one of them related to the Maskey report on mental health. Today is another one of those days when we discuss unnecessary hip surgeries in Children's Health Ireland, CHI. The patients and families affected by the publication of the audit report are at the forefront of my mind, as they are for every Deputy. I understand the frustration, anxiety and, indeed, anger the families and these children and young people will be feeling as they read through the report and consider its findings. There is no doubt parents will be questioning themselves, wondering if they did something wrong and questioning the trust they placed in the doctors to care properly for their children.”
“I move: That, notwithstanding anything in the Order of the Dáil of 5th February, 2025, setting out the rota in which Questions to members of the Government are to be asked, Questions for oral answer, following those next set down to the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform, shall be set down to Ministers in the following temporary sequence: Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications Minister for Defence Minister for Education whereupon the sequence established by the Order of 5th February, 2025, shall continue with Questions to the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.”
“I move: That Dáil Éireann, pursuant to Standing Order 33, and with effect from 28th May, 2025, approves the Second Report of the Standing Committee of Selection, copies of which were laid before Dáil Éireann on 23rd May, 2025, and discharges a member from a Committee and appoints a member to a Committee accordingly.”
“As is normally the case with Private Members' Business, the Bill will not be opposed on First Stage. That is the process. If and when the Bill is listed for Second Stage, like all other Private Members' business the Government will then consider the matter at that point.”
“I acknowledge the five Whips and the issues they have raised. The Minister for Health will use all of the time available to her this evening to answer questions in her wrap-up. I also take on board the issue regarding the defective concrete blocks scheme that has been raised over the past couple of weeks. I also take note of the request relating to the fishing industry and we can address them on Thursday morning.”
“the Statements on Flood Relief 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. 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 NP/G Mins 3 9 10 3 5”
“and shall in any event be taken on the conclusion of Parliamentary Questions to the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade pursuant to Standing Order 47(1); and (b) the proceedings on the Second Stage of the Competition and Consumer Protection (Unfair Prices) Bill 2023 may be taken earlier than 8.24 p.m., and shall in any event be taken on the conclusion of topical issues, with consequential effect on the time for the adjournment of the Dáil; and (2) the Dáil on its rising shall adjourn until 2 p.m. on Tuesday 10th June, 2025; and 2.”
“the proceedings on Report and Final Stages of the Supports for Survivors of Residential Institutional Abuse Bill 2024 shall, if not previously concluded, be interrupted and stand adjourned either at 8.46 p.m. or after 3 hours, whichever is the later. In relation to Thursday’s business, it is proposed that: 1. (1) the ordinary routine of business as contained in Schedule 3 to Standing Orders shall be modified to the following extent: (a) topical issues pursuant to Standing Order 39 may be taken earlier than 7.24 p.m.”
“in relation to the proceedings on the Second Stage of the Protection of Employees (Employers’ Insolvency) (Amendment) 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 Wednesday; 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 NP/G Mins 4 20 12 4 20 3.”
“when the order of business shall resume with Report Stage of the Supports for Survivors of Residential Institutional Abuse Bill 2024; and (c) the weekly division time shall be taken on the adjournment of proceedings on the Supports for Survivors of Residential Institutional Abuse Bill 2024: Provided that where the proceedings on that Bill conclude within the allotted time, the weekly division time shall be taken on the conclusion thereof, with consequential effect on the time for the adjournment of the Dáil; 2.”
“notwithstanding anything in Standing Order 177(2), the proceedings on Second Stage of the Restrictive Financial Measures (State of Israel) 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 set out 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.; (b) in the event that Second Stage of the Protection of Employees (Employers’ Insolvency) (Amendment) Bill 2025 adjourns or concludes before 5 p.m., the sitting shall stand suspended until 5 p.m.”
“the Statements on the Independent External Medical Audit for Children's Health Ireland and National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh on Indications for Pelvic Osteotomy in Children with Developmental Hip Dysplasia 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 NP/G Mins 3 9 10 3 5 7.”
“the proceedings on the Motion re Second Report of the Committee of Selection shall be taken without debate; 3. the proceedings on the Motion re Ministerial Rota for Parliamentary Questions shall be taken without debate and any division claimed thereon shall be taken immediately; 4. the proceedings on the Motion re Restoration of Private Members’ Bills shall be taken without debate; 5. the Statements regarding an apology to Shane O’Farrell and his family shall not exceed 2 hours and 20 minutes and the order of speaking and allocation of time shall be as follows: Gov SF Lab Gov SF Mins 30 15 10 10 3 SD Gov SF IPTG Gov Mins 10 10 3 9 10 SF ITG Gov SF NP/G Mins 3 9 10 3 5 6.”
“and shall in any event, be taken on the conclusion of the Statements on the Independent External Medical Audit for Children's Health Ireland and National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh on Indications for Pelvic Osteotomy in Children with Developmental Hip Dysplasia; (c) Parliamentary Questions to the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade pursuant to Standing Order 47(1) which are to be taken on Tuesday, 27th May, 2025, shall be taken for 96.5 minutes on the conclusion of the Statements on Flood Relief on Thursday, 29th May, 2025, without any change to the allocation of priority Questions to the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and not otherwise affecting the current sequence of Ministers or rota for priority Questions as ordered by the House; and (d) the Dáil shall adjourn on the conclusion of topical issues pursuant to Standing Order 39 which shall be taken on the conclusion of private members’ business; 2.”
“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) private members' business may be taken later than 6.12 p.m.”
“Wednesday's business shall be: - Protection of Employees (Employers’ Insolvency) (Amendment) Bill 2025 (Second Stage) (if not previously concluded, to adjourn after 3 hrs and 24 mins) - Supports for Survivors of Residential Institutional Abuse Bill 2024 (Report and Final Stages) (to be taken no earlier than 5 p.m. and to adjourn either at 8.46 p.m. or after 3 hours, whichever is the later) Wednesday's private members' business shall be the Motion re Gaza, selected by the Labour Party. Thursday's business shall be Statements on Flood Relief (not to exceed 2 hrs and 25 mins). Thursday evening business shall be the Second Stage of the Competition and Consumer Protection (Unfair Prices) Bill 2023, sponsored by Deputy Ged Nash. Proposed Arrangements for this week’s business: In relation to Tuesday’s business, it is proposed that: 1.”
“I move: That Tuesday's business shall be: - Motion re Second Report of the Standing Committee of Selection (without debate) - Motion re Ministerial Rota for Parliamentary Questions (without debate) - Motion re Restoration of Private Members’ Bills (without debate) - Apology to Shane O'Farrell and his family: Statements (not to exceed 2 hrs and 20 mins) - Statements on the Independent External Medical Audit for Children's Health Ireland and National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh on Indications for Pelvic Osteotomy in Children with Developmental Hip Dysplasia (not to exceed 2 hrs and 25 mins) Tuesday's private members' business shall be Second Stage of the Restrictive Financial Measures (State of Israel) Bill 2025, selected by Sinn Féin.”
“I move: That, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders and until further notice in the 34th Dáil, parties, groups and non-party/group members may appoint members to the Committee on Parliamentary Privileges and Oversight in accordance with paragraph (4) of Standing Order 129, and the Ceann Comhairle shall announce the names of the members so appointed for the information of the Dáil on the first sitting day of the Dáil following their appointment.”
“It is currently working 9 to 5. I hope we will soon be moving to 3 to 11, Thursday to Monday, which is the model of care for crisis resolution teams. The most important thing with a crisis resolution team is that it is operational when other services are not there. We will also have a solace café opening very shortly in the city. That will be operated by Aware. It was previously known as a crisis cafe, but we changed the name. We know the café in Galway has reduced by 18% the number of people presenting to accident and emergency with mental health difficulties. I am fully committed to delivering this service for Waterford and I am happy to work with the Deputies.”
“Jigsaw already receives more than €14 million from the HSE under a service level agreement to provide youth mental health services. I have reached out to other organisations as well, because I have to provide supports in a good few communities and I have to try to get value for money. It does not matter to me who delivers the service once we have a good service, fit for purpose, and where the clinical governance is in place. I have identified four areas, which are Waterford and the south east, the Clare area, the Kildare area and the Cavan-Monaghan area, which is really important. It is important that we acknowledge some of the supports that have come into the areas. As Minister of State, I introduced the model of care for our crisis resolution services. We now have a crisis resolution team operating in Waterford.”
“I certainly will drive it on, and it is an area that has been identified as needing youth mental health supports. However, all areas of the county need youth mental health supports. Some 2% of young people will need the support of CAMHS but 98% of young people - about a third of them - will need counselling and low-level supports so they can deal with anxiety, depression and the challenges they have with body image and social media challenges. All of that is huge. There are a lot of parents in the Dáil who will understand how difficult it can be, having young teenagers and young adults as children. Approximately €110 million of the mental health budget this year is being provided to various community-based mental health organisations and NGOs, including Jigsaw.”
“Foróige also has to be commended on the fantastic supports it provides to young people based in Ferrybank, Tramore, Portlaw and Carrick-on-Suir, all of which enhance the life chances of ten- to 18-year-olds. They are all really important supports. I will come back in with regard to other funding I am providing this year.”