CLLR EMMET DOYLE: Mental Health Strategy Welcomed, Now A Detox Centre

Aontú Cllr for Derry Emmet Doyle has welcomed the publication of the Mental Health Strategy 2021-2031 by the Minister for Health today and called on the Executive to ensure it is fully funded

Cllr Doyle:

“The publication of this strategy is the result of many months of work by officials, community groups and the public. I was pleased to ensure that as a result of Aontú motions, Derry City and Strabane District Council made a detailed submission to the consultation.

As part of the new Strategy, a ‘no wrong door’ approach will be taken to services, particularly for those with both mental and physical health needs, and young people in particular. The age barrier for older people needing to access mental health services will be removed and there is a determination to create a regional mental health crisis service.

Its now incumbent on the entire Executive to ensure the strategy is fully funded so we can begin to see the outworkings of what is a comprehensive document that I believe can deliver real change on the ground to those working in and needing to use services.

This news also gives the Executive the opportunity to compliment the Strategy by immediately announcing the progression of the promised detox centre for Derry and I will keep pushing for this alongside Tamzin White and partners”

The Irish political system is radically broken

In Ireland the vast majority of elected representatives put a finger in the air to check which way the political wind is blowing. They have one eye on their leaders – seeking brownie points – and another eye keeping their seat safe. If elected reps shut up and do as they’re told, they are promoted; if they stand up for what they believe in, they are demoted. No wonder we have the political class we have. No wonder one point one billion euro is being buried in a hole under the National Children’s Hospital and that Stormont is in stalemate.

Throughout Ireland, many people are now afraid to say what they feel, many are afraid to respectfully engage on a range of different topics. Many feel there is a new censorship and a new political correctness in Ireland, that opposition to the establishment is being deleted.

Respectful opposition is not the enemy. Respectful opposition is a critical element of a functional democracy. Aontú will have the backbone to stand up, without fear, for you.