Did the Taoiseach watch the "RTÉ Investigates" programmes last night and the night before on the psychiatric care scandal? At the moment, I am dealing with families who are at their wits' end trying to access mental health services for their adult children. In some of these cases, the person involved is a danger to themselves, their families and their neighbours. Instead of them being turned away from services when help is sought or sent to jail, help needs to be given to these people. Prison is not the answer. Prison is the opposite of rehabilitation for people with mental illness. They need access to community-based treatment. Next Thursday night, I am holding a public meeting in the Newgrange Hotel in Navan for parents who cannot access mental health services for their adult children. What message can I give these parents from the Taoiseach about accessing help for their children? These parents are at breaking point.

Sentiment score: -0.06