The Minister of State will agree it is unacceptable that Waterford is the only city, and the south-east region is the only part of the State, that does not have a Jigsaw youth mental health service. These services are not only physically based in premises but also offer outreach services. People I am dealing with right across Waterford city and county and also those in parts of south Tipperary, south Kilkenny and Wexford would be able to avail of this. There would be outreach services in towns like Dungarvan, Tallow, Kilmacthomas, New Ross and Clonmel. As Deputy Cullinane has mentioned, we very recently met Comhairle na nÓg. I know the group went on to meet the Minister of State afterwards. They presented to Deputy Cullinane and me, to the Minister of State herself and perhaps to the Minister of State, Deputy Cummins, a petition calling for this service to be initiated in Waterford. It is not just Comhairle na nÓg, although it has been driving this campaign. Parents are also saying it to us day in and day out. Practitioners in the mental health space and advocates across the city and county are calling for this and have been for many years. As Deputy Cullinane has said, early intervention is key. We know of the issues in CAMHS, which primarily revolve around recruitment and retention and the inability of children in need to get a foot in the door and that first appointment. Community-based early intervention is really important. We are told that the HSE is important. As the Minister of State will know, I have submitted a parliamentary question on this every month since being elected. We know the HSE is broadly supportive. I know from the press that the Minister of State received an application at the start of May. The response I got from the HSE just last week did not mention that. It did not seem to be aware of it. Is there a breakdown in communication? The other issue that is really important to raise and discuss here is the issue of a premises. What work has been done to engage with the local authority, HSE estates and other agencies or bodies that might have access to property in Waterford to find a home for a Jigsaw service?

Sentiment score: 0.08

I agree that young people in particular are under huge stresses in this day and age. There is of course a need to constantly improve our acute mental health services, particularly for young people - children and adolescents. As I said, there is a need for early intervention and that wellness piece. There are great organisations working on the ground across Waterford and I met Pride of the Déise recently with Deputy Cullinane and understand the needs of the LGBTQI community. That is important. There is also Waterford and South Tipperary Community Service and Foróige, which the Minister of State mentioned. They are all making the case for additional youth mental health services, both in the community and on the acute side. There is a fantastic organisation called Laochas on the ground in Waterford promoting emotional and mental well-being among young children. Those need to be supported, but this is about equality as well. Waterford and the south east is the only region in the State without access to Jigsaw services. We all know, particularly after Covid, the need for face to face, physical services to be available. I ask the Minister of State to make the commitment that we will drive this on.

Sentiment score: 0.31