Further mental health resources required for region

Concern has been expressed around the provision of mental services across Cavan and Monaghan.

“There has been a marked increase in the number of suicides in my constituency. This has caused untold heartbreak for the families involved and their communities,” Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan-Monaghan, Niamh Smyth, commented.

“There are mental health supports in terms of HSE services, Pieta House and SOSAD as well as the volunteerism of members of the wider community in Cavan and Monaghan. However, I do believe we need additional resources for mental health services.”

She said feelings of loneliness, isolation and lack of peer interaction have become all the more prevalent across our community in this Covid era.

“I have stressed to Minister Butler the need for further help in primary care psychologist support and for the Minister of State to look seriously at the potential of putting Jigsaw into Cavan-Monaghan.

In a written response, the Minister said “the Department, the HSE, and Jigsaw are reviewing how best to plan and deliver youth mental health services in the future in light of the many lessons arising from Covid 19 and, in particular, the potential of e-mental health and more blended service responses.''

Deputy Smyth concluded by saying that she would like to thank Minister Mary Butler for all the progress achieved to date and looks forward to engaging further with the Minister on mental health issues across the constituency.