Speaking on the Emergency Mental Health Services motion in the Dáil, Richard Boyd Barrett said:
“Emergency mental health services should be available 24/7 and involve dedicated mental health emergency rooms in hospitals, as well as investment in proper staffing for mental health services.
“Two of our emergency departments, in St. Michael's Hospital and Loughlinstown hospital, had their opening hours reduced to 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. a number of years ago, which we campaigned strongly against. The only emergency department available out of hours is in St. Vincent's Hospital, which is overrun and chaotic.
“We often get reports of dual diagnosis. People are turned away from emergency departments because they also have problems with abuse of drugs or alcohol. There is often an unwillingness to treat people in that situation. I do not blame the staff for that.
“I blame the lack of specialised dual-diagnosis mental health services, as well as services in the community. Before people end up in an emergency department, there should be community-based alternatives, and crisis intervention teams, so there are other supports available for people in these situations.
“Many of the mental health crises in this country involve our young people. I strongly believe that we should have a psychology department in every school.
“This is the case in many countries, where schools not only have individuals but also have actual psychology departments. We should have the same so there are places to go in schools for young people facing mental health crises.
“The Government should not be trying to deal with the consequences of mental health crises while failing to act against some of the forces in the world fomenting such crises and leading young people to feel suicidal.
“I am referring to some social media companies and their reckless, irresponsible behaviour in having recommender algorithms which push stuff at young people that foments much of the mental health crises they are experiencing, including suicidal ideation, body image issues and so on, which can have a big impact on young people and can lead them to mental health crisis or even suicide.
“Algorithms pushing stuff about suicidal ideation at young people is absolutely shocking. There is profiteering from it.
“There are many aspects to the mental health crisis that faces many in our society. It will affect many people at some point in their lives. I hope the Government will act on it and provide the staffing and resources to make it happen.”