Clarke highlights mental health findings in UN report

Sinn Féin TD for Longford-Westmeath Sorca Clarke has highlighted the findings of a recent UN report which details the worrying gap between the academic success of Irish students and their wellbeing.

“Despite ranking among the top performers globally in education, teenagers in Ireland are among the least happy in high income countries, with nearly one in three 15-year-olds reporting low life satisfaction. The report also highlighted that Ireland’s youth suicide rate is above the international average.

“These damning findings should serve as a wake-up call for government.

“These findings are a result of years of neglect and underinvestment in youth mental health services by successive governments.

“They are not just statistics, they are children. These findings make one thing clear: the mental health of our young people is in crisis, and our current system is not meeting their needs.

“Our young people cannot thrive academically if their mental health is constantly being overlooked. Equal attention needs to be given to mental health supports and services, in schools and in their communities.

“If government are truly committed to supporting the next generation, we need to see a major increase in investment in mental health services that is in line with investment in education.

“Our children’s wellbeing is just as important as their academic success. It is time that investment reflects that," Teachta Clarke said.