Labour proposed providing €3 million to provide free access to counselling for young people up to the age of 25
Labour Spokesperson on Health, Alan Kelly TD has called on the Minister to provide free access to counselling for young people under 25.
Speaking today Deputy Kelly Said:
“Today is World Mental Health Day and should give us all pause to consider how far we have come in destigmatising Mental Health issues in Ireland and to consider how much further we have yet to go.
“Arguably young people have been leaders on Mental Health awareness and it is to be welcomed that many now feel more comfortable speaking openly about their mental well-being. However, for that young person who is in need of professional help, they have many barriers to overcome in access services.
“One of the major hurdles to accessing healthcare professionals is the cost. With consultations and appointments regularly costing between €50 and €80 per session.
“In our alternative Budget Labour proposed providing €3 million to provide free access for young people up to the age of 25.
“Getting young people the help they need as quickly as possible should be a priority for this government. Anxiety surrounding education, employment, the growing precariousness in housing, is growing.
“We can talk about the value of mental health awareness as much as we want, but if we don’t follow that up with action to make help accessible to everyone then it’s nothing but talk.”