CAHMS
The absence of IT systems and structures in the HSE and across the entire health service, including CAMHS, is a major blockage to its improvement and efficient functioning and needs to be addressed urgently.
Clare FM – Lockdown Level 5
Government needs to plan for all eventualities because an indefinite lockdown throughout 2021 is not sustainable nor is any future return to lockdown.
Mainstream media coverage of Covid and impact on mental health
Some mainstream media coverage in Ireland is adding to the high levels of stress and anxiety amongst the population.
Data on mental health in Ireland is inadequate
Data on mental health is inadequate. The HSE and Irish College of Psychiatrists need to explain why, given they receive taxpayers’ money to collect and collate it. Data on suicide is adequate because of the lack of a centralised coroners’ database, a shortcoming highlighted 20 years ago this month.
Impact of lockdown on mental health
TDs are being asked to approve another lockdown without data on self-harm and suicide during the last lockdown. That is not good enough and must not be repeated.
COVID-19 and mental health
As Ireland continues to combat COVID-19, we must not lose sight of the impact it is having on mental health.
Acting Chief Medical Officer at COVID-19 Committee
At the COVID-19 Committee today, I questioned Dr. Ronan Glynn (Acting Chief Medical Officer) on meat plant and restaurant inspections, the impact of Covid-19 on mental health and the implications of an economic slowdown on our health service.
Impact of COVID on people with disabilities
In this morning’s Dáil COVID Committee hearing, which I chaired, Inclusion Ireland CEO Enda Egan said families are at the absolute edge of their ability to cope during the pandemic. He said there is another pandemic about to hit us and that is family carer burn out.
Read MoreNurses pay, Mental Health and hospital capacity
In Dáil Éireann today, I questioned Minister for Health Simon Harris on nurses pay, private hospital capacity and why the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) is not receiving advice from a mental health expert.
COVID-19 and mental health
Given the significant mental health impacts of COVID-19, I this evening asked the Minister for Health, Simon Harris, why the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) is not receiving advice from a psychiatric representative.