I ask the Leader to organise a debate on mental health services with the Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, with particular reference to the implementation of A Vision for Change. Members will be aware of the great concern in east County Galway and Ballinasloe in particular following the HSE's recent decision to close 22 acute beds in St. Brigid's Hospital in Ballinasloe. Last night all the public representatives from Galway and Roscommon had an open and frank discussion with the Minister of State and HSE management in Galway and Roscommon and nationally. I call on the Minister of State to ensure that HSE management in Galway and Roscommon now enter into an extensive period of discussion with all stakeholders - employees, unions, service users and their families, public representatives, and community leaders - to ensure that all community-based mental health services are put in place before any acute beds are taken out of the system.

There has been considerable concern in the community mainly because of an information deficit. The HSE is doing a particularly poor job in communicating its very ambitious plans to implement A Vision for Change. At last night's meeting there was total unanimity over the need to implement all aspects of A Vision for Change. I want a frank discussion with the Minister of State on the progress we are making on the implementation of A Vision for Change, particularly in Galway and Roscommon.

On a sporting note, I wish you, a Chathaoirligh, and the Mayo footballers well at the weekend. I hope they emulate the wonderful achievement of the Galway camogie team last weekend-----

I wish to disassociate myself from those remarks.

----- when two fine young ladies, namely, Lorraine Ryan and Sinead Keane-----

This is not relevant to the Order of Business.

It will not be relevant next week either, when the Dubs win.

----- under manager Tony Ward brought two trophies to the west and gave us a great lift. I hope the Mayo people do the same on Sunday.

While this is not relevant to the Order of Business, all tickets that can be given to the Cathaoirleach will be greatly appreciated.

Senator Mullins has referred to mental health issues and I welcome the putting in place by Fine Gael of counselling services for Deputies and Senators who may be experiencing difficulties in their professional or personal lives in the wake of the tragic death last year of the Minister of State, Shane McEntee. This is a welcome development that should be extended to everyone in the Houses. It is particularly welcome in a week in which the Dundalk football manager, Stephen Kenny, has become patron of the SOSAD organisation, involving those whose sons and daughters have committed suicide. Its founder, Peter Moroney, stated he was absolutely thrilled when the Dundalk manager accepted an invitation to become patron of the body. He pointed out that suicide is a leading cause of death among young people and increasingly is being reported among the elderly, who often are dealing with issues of loneliness and isolation.

However, to revert to Deputies and Senators, I refer to the protests that took place yesterday. I went out only to be abused by a person from Dundalk whom I knew by sight. Had I met him in Haggardstown, I would have done a John Prescott on him; no problem. However, Members are under pressure and in that context, I ask all Members to support the See the Light political walk in aid of mental health wellness and Aware, which is being organised by Oireachtas staff and by Miriam McLoughlin, from Dublin to Navan next weekend, that is, on 27 and 28 September. Incidentally, I have to hand a sponsorship card if anyone wishes to give me a few bob for it. While I acknowledge such debates have taken place previously, such issues are coming on-stream and good mental health is now part of daily parlance, albeit more needs to be done, and I would welcome a debate on mental health.