Watch Bressie tell politicians to 'park the egos' in bid to improve mental health services

By Elaine Loughlin, Political Reporter

Musician Niall Breslin has asked politicians to “park the egos” and admit that mental health services are not even close to being adequate.

The singer – better known as Bressie - who has spoken publicly about his own battle with mental health issues has called on the Government to properly address the lack of joined-up services.

[comment] Bressie begins statement at 6:10. [/comment]

Appearing before the Oireachtas Health Committee the singer said: “In order for us to progress in this regard, everyone in this room has to be painfully honest with each other and accept that our mental health services and systems are not even close to being adequate or resourced for the demand and requirement that is put upon them.

“This is not a blame game or headhunt, but in order for us to build an effective long term strategy we have to park the egos, politics and economics and put human beings first.

“We have some incredibly gifted people in this country when it comes to education, mental health and psychology, so it's a matter of joining the dots and building something together that can give our youth the support they require to survive in this often chaotic world.”