Government must stop putting youth mental health 'on the long finger' – Sorca Clarke

The government has been criticised by a local TD for failing to prioritise youth mental health.

Deputy Sorca Clarke says that while it's over a year since the Joint Committee on Education, Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science published a report on Mental Health Supports in Schools and Tertiary Education, the government has been slow to implement many of its recommendations.

She says that the government needs to do a lot more when it comes to the area of youth mental health.

“The Committee identified Mental Health Supports in Schools and Tertiary Education as a national issue of concern.

“The report made a series of recommendations following examination of the issue, however, many of its recommendations have either not yet commenced, not been fully implemented or in the case of some pilot schemes - not been reviewed or acted on by government.

“It is becoming increasingly clear with state examinations only around the corner, that more needs to be done for youth mental health.

“Government has been sitting on its hands on this matter for too long. It now needs to be made a priority. The resources can be there, it is all a matter of political will.

“Minister Foley announced new funding to support secondary school students’ mental health and wellbeing.

“Although additional funding is welcomed it is not nearly enough of what it should and needs to be. It is most certainly not going to be enough to cover all schools.

“This announcement comes across as another flowery announcement by government to distract the electorate from the grave realities of mental health services in Ireland.

“Since taking office the government has failed to prioritise youth mental health, always putting it on the long finger.

“It is no secret that NEPS is struggling with demand. It is currently understaffed and underfunded.

“There would not be the same level of pressure on NEPS if there was better primary care.

“Sinn Féin are committed to developing a Child and Youth Mental Health Service to deliver high quality care for children and young people up to the age of 25.

“Best of luck to all those sitting the Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate in a week’s time.

“I understand the pressures that can come with these examinations. Make sure to prioritise your mental health.

“Take pride in how far you've come and enjoy this exciting new chapter in your life”.