Mental Health Services during Covid 19

There is no one household in this country that is not affected by mental health disorder , dementia or intellectual disability. Mental health is often overlooked and neglected aspect of health care in this country. Mental continues to be poorly invested in. We need more investment in services and treatment. The societal stigma associated with mental health needs to be dispelled and consigned to history. It is recommended internationally that 16% of health expenditure should be spent on mental health services and in Ireland we spend less 5% despite having a higher prevalence of mental health problems that other developed nations. The number of psychiatrists we have per capita is at the bottom of the international league table. The inability of families to attend funerals and say goodbye to loved one's has also has a detrimental affect on the mental health of those bereaved. Many people reply on their religious faith and support to help them during their grief. I asked the minster to consider more compassionate grounds for funerals.