TD calls for action as mental health services are “breaking at the seams”

A North Dublin TD says mental health services are “breaking at the seams” as she called for a publicly funded mental health service.

Speaking in the Dáil on Wednesday, Sinn Fein TD for Dublin Bay North Denise Mitchell said mental health services were overwhelmed, and that changes were required as a matter of urgency.

“The last few months have taken their toll on everyone, particularly those suffering with mental health,” Deputy Mitchell said.

“It has been an intense period and has put a strain on many of us with the stress and anxiety that coronavirus has caused.

“Before the pandemic and lockdown mental health services right across the state were breaking at the seams and hadn’t got the capacity to deal with the number of people who were presenting to their services.

“People presenting to mental health services are extremely vulnerable, and it is simply not good enough that they are having the door closed in their face in this time of need.

This is no fault of the staff who do great work, but is a sign that the whole system is completely overwhelmed.”

Deputy Mitchell drew attention to mental health services in her own constituency as she called for action.

“In my own constituency of Dublin Bay North there are 152 children waiting over 3 months to even just be allocated an appointment” she said.

“That’s not good enough.

“We need a publicly funded mental health service that is accessible to all who need it, and we needed it yesterday.

“Consultations and reports are fine, but unfortunately they do not improve one persons situation.

“We need action, and we need proper services.”