Mental health support for FG members

Fine Gael has put in place counselling services for TDs and senators who may be “experiencing difficulties” in their professional or personal lives after the tragic death of minister of state Shane McEntee last year.

Members of the Fine Gael parliamentary party have been told if they feel under pressure from issues such as financial worries, marital separation, or abuse from the public they should approach the party, which will put them in contact with professional counsellors.

The Irish Examiner has learned that Fine Gael’s general secretary, Tom Curran, delivered a “very sensitive” presentation to TDs and senators during their annual think-in in Co Laois, detailing the outside services that have been put in place and how party members can avail of them.