Clondalkin Jigsaw service
Deputy Gino Kenny criticised Jigsaw’s withdrawal from Clondalkin and asked what youth mental health provision would replace it. The Taoiseach said Jigsaw had expanded in line with the programme for Government and suggested raising the local issue with the Minister of State for mental health.
The section of the programme for Government relating to youth mental health provision refers to extending "these services, such as Jigsaw, which is free to access and does not require GP referral". Earlier this year, Jigsaw decided to pull out of Clondalkin, where it was covering a huge area for young people, including Lucan and Palmerstown. That decision was a huge mistake and Deputies Curran and Ó Broin are saying that too. Hundreds of young people will gather in Clondalkin tonight to protest against the decision that has been made by Jigsaw. Young people want to know what provision will be made for mental health services in Dublin Mid-West if Jigsaw moves away from Clondalkin.
Comment on this
I understand that since the programme for Government was agreed three years ago, Jigsaw has been extended in line with the commitment in the programme for Government. The budget for mental health services is now approaching €1 billion, the biggest ever, to meet the enormous need for mental health services. I do not know the exact situation in relation to Clondalkin. That is a matter for the Minister of State with responsibility for mental health. The Deputy may wish to raise this matter with him as a Topical Issue. Alternatively, I can ask the Minister of State to correspond with the Deputy.