A number of weeks ago, I met representatives of Comhairle na nÓg who had travelled from Waterford to submit a petition they had carried out. They met the Minister of State the same day. I know she is aware of this issue. Waterford is the only city that does not have a Jigsaw service. I know the Minister of State would join me in supporting Jigsaw as an organisation for the wonderful work it does. It is really important that young people who have a mental health difficulty get every opportunity to get supports. Very often, the focus is on the acute side and the child and adolescent mental health services, CAMHS, which is obviously very important. However, if we can prevent a person developing an acute mental health illness and provide the full range of supports young people need, it would be best for everybody, particularly for the young people themselves. Comhairle na nÓg initiated its petition at the west Waterford food festival. It received more than 1,100 signatures. The group was blown away by the interest in this issue. I have met Jigsaw a number of times and I know that an application for funding and a detailed business case have to be made. It is my understanding that this has happened. Those are with the Minister of State. I assume there is also an issue with premises. That will also have to be sorted. As I have said, Deputy Conor McGuinness and I met the representatives from Comhairle na nÓg. We are very happy to work with the Minister of State, with Jigsaw and with anybody else to get this over the line. I am hopeful that we can. It would be a fantastic addition to mental health services in Waterford, particularly for young people. I am hopeful that the Minister of State's response today will be a positive one that will support the application. If she is supportive, what timelines are we looking at to get the service operational and up and running in Waterford?

Sentiment score: 0.29

I agree with all of the points the Minister of State has made. As the father of a son who is doing the leaving certificate at the moment, I know about the stress that many young people face. I also agree with the Minister of State's comments regarding the LGBTI community, the trans community in particular, and the work being done by the various groups in Waterford. Obviously, people need mental health supports for a whole range of reasons. There is no family or young person who does not have a mental health difficulty at some point. The most important thing is that the supports are there at the earliest opportunity. As somebody who has visited centres run by Jigsaw and has worked with Jigsaw on other issues, I found it incredible when I first met them that they were not operating in Waterford. I welcome that we are now moving in that direction. I also welcome that there is engagement with the local council on a premises. Hopefully, if the Minister of State secures the funding in the Estimates, this is something we can get up and running quickly in Waterford. It will be a fantastic addition for young people.

Sentiment score: 0.29