Adams calls for Oireachtas mental health service

Gerry Adams has asked the Oireachtas to provide mental health services for TDs and senators who are reluctant to access treatment in their local areas due to "societal stigma".

The Sinn Féin leader has pointed to Westminster and noted that the English parliament has recently agreed to fund counselling and treatment for politicians there.

The Oireachtas committee on administration, which considers issues for TDs and senators in Leinster House, will discuss Mr Adams’ request this week.

Its members last week addressed his written request, with some describing the abuse members have received around budget time. Others mentioned the tragic suicide of Meath East TD Shane McEntee in late 2012.

In his letter to Peter Finnegan, acting head of the Houses of the Oireachtas commission, Mr Adams said: “I am writing to you in relation to the provision of mental health treatments for members of the Oireachtas and to enquire what plans, if any, the Houses of the Oireachtas commission are considering in terms of such provision at this time.”

The Louth TD noted that counselling services are available for civil servants who are paid by the Oireachtas but that this did not apply for TDs, senators or their staff.

He added: “You may be aware for instance that other parliaments provide such arrangements, including Westminster, who approved last year limited funding to allow MPs to be referred and receive treatment while in Westminster.

“It is difficult for Oireachtas members to access mental health treatments since the only option for most is to access services locally in their constituency, which TDs and senators are often reluctant to engage, due to the societal stigma surrounding mental health issues at this time, which we continue to tackle.”

Mr Finnegan referred the submission to the joint committee on administration, which last week discussed the issue and whether any services could be funded, as well as ongoing problems of harassment experienced by TDs and senators.

An Oireachtas source explained: “Everybody thought about Shane McEntee and thought if there is a problem, you shouldn’t have to go to the party whip. There should be professionals available for members.”

One committee source said: “We’ve agreed to look at it and see what can be done. Members can come under an awful lot of pressure. After the budget, they can be afraid to answer the phone because of abuse and threats.

“People forget that we’re human but I suppose we sign up for this when we put our name on the ballot paper.”

Some TDs and senators have spoken about the pressure and abuse they faced during the recent elections.

Labour senator Lorraine Higgins said she received online abuse and harassment, including from one man who said she would be “hatcheted in the face”.