Too often in Limerick, we see the devastating impact of mental health challenges. Over the past decade, Limerick city has frequently recorded the highest suicide rate in Ireland. Tonight, I want to acknowledge the volunteers who will be out tonight in the appalling weather we have been having in the past couple of days. Limerick Suicide Watch and Limerick Treaty Suicide Prevention both patrol the riverside in Limerick. Haven Hub and others also do fantastic work. Many a life has been saved because of the presence and interventions of the volunteers. The Minister of State will be well aware of the work of the community access support team, CAST, pilot over the past 12 months. Following years of delay, it was initiated on a trial basis. Since its initiation, it has delivered positive results for those in need of assistance. In the first five months of 2025, the team conducted over 200 interventions, with indications that 80% of these had a major impact on the person in crisis. Speaking in Limerick about CAST, the Minister for justice, Deputy Jim O’Callaghan, said we need to roll it out across the country. The pilot project has been working well but I am concerned that it has not received its own funding. We must ensure it becomes permanent. Having spoken to senior HSE staff and Limerick gardaí, I note the project has already saved lives and kept people out of prison and emergency departments. A senior garda told me it is a godsend. It is a no-brainer. CAST must be retained, fully developed and resourced. It should be retained permanently in Limerick through central government funding and the model must be extended to other areas. In the Minister of State’s speech, she said early results are extremely positive and that the pilot will inform the national rollout. It is a no-brainer; it works and it should be rolled out where appropriate across the State. We think about how such a simple project is working so well, saving lives and keeping people out of prison and emergency departments.

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