Committee to meet today to discuss the effects of the pandemic on mental health

An Oireachtas committee will be discussing the impact that Covid-19 has had on mental health services in Ireland

The Oireachtas Special Committee on Covid-19 Response is meeting today to discuss the effects of the pandemic on the nation’s mental health.

The Committee will meet twice today, each with different experts on the topic, to examine how Covid-19 has impacted mental health services.

The first meeting, set to take place at 9am, will include the CEO of Jigsaw, The National Centre for Youth Mental Health, Dr Joseph Duffy, and Mental Health Ireland CEO Martin Rogan.

The second meeting at 11:30am will include representatives from the HSE, as well as CEO of the Mental Health Commission John Farrelly.

Speaking before the meetings today, chairman of the Committee Michael McNamara TD said: “We know for example that face-to-face mental health services were suspended or limited because of the coronavirus outbreak. As a result, online and telephone support services had to be increased and new services introduced. The Committee will also be examining the impact Covid-19 had on the demand for mental health support services and any potential impact on waiting lists for support.

“The meeting with the Mental Health Commission provides an opportunity for the Committee to discuss the impact of Covid-19 on the delivery of in-patient and community mental health services for children, teenagers and adults,” he continued. “The Committee will also hear from the Health Service Executive on the supports, staffing levels and overall resources in place, including testing, to support the safe delivery of services, and plans in place to address the anticipated increase in demand for care.”

You can watch the Committee live via their website here.

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