Tipperary Deputy Mattie Mc Grath has strongly criticised the government decision to appoint a former Labour Minister to lead a task force and publish yet another report on mental health.
Speaking from his Tipperary constituency, Deputy Mattie Mc Grath said:
“Ireland currently has one of the highest levels of mental illness in the EU. It has been exacerbated by the pandemic and by years of gross underfunding by successive governments. In fact, the previous government, closed many local community mental health services across the country, including the crucial St. Michaels Mental Health unit in Clonmel.”
“Therefore, I feel that it is utterly inappropriate that the former Labour Party Minister, who was directly responsible for eroding mental health services from local communities is now being advanced by the current government to find solutions. This illustrates a worrying contempt that the government has for the people.”
“In fact, so hurtful, bitter and determined was Kathleen Lynch’s position at the time, that she used the words ‘set in blood’ to express the determination of her decision, to close the unit in Clonmel. That comment alone, was exceedingly hurtful to mental health patients and their families from every corner of Tipperary.”
“The decision to appoint former Minister Lynch, is a slap in the face for the people of Clonmel and Tipperary. As such, it is my firm view that the former Minister is not suitable for this task, given her past ineptitude, arrogance and insensitive commentary aimed at the people of Tipperary.”
“We know that successive governments have failed to provide the necessary resources for mental health care in Ireland. Astonishingly, when Ms Lynch was Minister, demand for mental health services soared; yet, funding was cut by over €15million under her watch.”
“Due to the damaging efforts of former Minister Lynch, together with Labour, Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil’s failure, Tipperary now remains without any long-stay mental health bed facility. Therefore, I am calling on the Taoiseach and his government to revoke this appointment. Equally, I am calling for the proper funding of mental health services and facilities in Ireland to occur.”
“It is inconceivable that the government would proceed with another report into mental health services, in a year when they are actually cutting the funding, as a percentage of the overall health budget, on mental health care. Such hollow action is pointless. We need a government that will fund mental health services – not place former Ministers into funded positions,” concluded Mc Grath.
