Pandemic Exposed Flaws in Mental Health System – Daly

“The Covid-19 pandemic has exposed the flaws in the health system – one of which is that it does not prioritise mental health services. Only six percent of the overall health budget is allocated to mental health which is unacceptable,” said Sinn Féin TD for Kerry Pa Daly.

“Sinn Féin brought forward a motion earlier this year which passed unopposed in Dáil Éireann in which 24 hour week long access to mental health supports was a core component of the motion. 

Crisis De-escalation in Limerick

“Limerick has agreed to pilot a multi-agency mental health crisis de-escalation team which was welcomed by Sinn Féin spokesperson for Mental Health, Mark Ward, TD. Unfortunately this pilot is not scheduled to start until 2022. 

“This multi-agency team will involve mental health professionals and specially trained members of an Garda Síochána. 

Specially Trained Team

“The idea of the pilot is that if there is a person experiencing a mental health issue in the community, then a specially trained team will meet the person, triage them, treat them and refer or bring them to the appropriate service. 

“I am calling for a similar pilot to run in Kerry, as the county is severely lacking in mental health supports, in particular 24/7 crisis supports. 

Going Abroad for Care  

“I am hearing from far too many people who are in crisis and cannot find supports in their home county or sometimes in the country at all, and they must travel overseas for care. 

“The appropriate mental health supports must be available within the community.”

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