Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan-Monaghan Niamh Smyth has met with the Minister with responsibility for Mental Health, Mary Butler TD, to discuss issues concerning the provision of mental services in Counties Cavan, Monaghan and Meath.
Deputy Smyth had also convened a topical issue on mental health in the Dáil to raise the need for increased mental health supports in Cavan-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.
“There are mental health supports in terms of HSE services and Pieta House, as well as the volunteerism of members of the wider community in Cavan, Monaghan and Meath however, I do believe we need additional resources for mental health services.
“I stressed to Minister Butler the need for further help in primary care psychologist support; a SCAN nurse to be allocated to Cavan-Monaghan; and for the Minister of State to look seriously at the potential of putting Jigsaw into Cavan-Monaghan.
“I also highlighted to Minister Butler the wonderful work of Ronan Patterson and his brand, ‘Need To Talk’, a campaign to raise funds for mental health charities.
“I look forward to engaging further with Minister Butler on mental health issues in Cavan-Monaghan”.