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More Died From Suicide in August than from Covid, Yet Services remain Unopen

At a meeting of Party Leaders this week, Aontú leader and Meath West TD, Peadar Tóibín TD called on the Taoiseach, the Minister for Health and the Head of the HSE directly for the full recommencement of Mental health services in Ireland immediately.



He stated “Covid-19 has had a massive negative effect on the mental health of the nation. Accounts from mental health professionals have attested to a significant increase in both new and recurring patients with aggravated mental health concerns. Shockingly more people have died from suicide in August than from Covid-19. Yet mental health services are not near functioning at normal levels. Face to face counselling is not happening in many scenarios.



Speaking directly to the Taoiseach, the Minister for Health and the Head of the HSE on Monday Deputy Tóibín asked why at this critical time had the state stopped collecting data on suicide and self-harm. He asked when the collection of this data recommenced and what was the comparative data. 3 days later the information still has not been provided.



“The government’s approach to this crisis is to treat mental health services as an add-on to essential services or a less than essential service. Mental health services are just as important and just as life-saving as physical health services. The government has boasted of additional funding to fight Covid-19, but we has remained blind to non Covid health crisis. The government needs to treat each challenge with the concern it deserves and provide resources they require.”

By Aontú Press | 2 September, 2020



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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.




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