Sinn Féin Waterford TD Conor McGuinness has said it is an “absolute scandal” that Waterford remains the only city in the state without access to a Jigsaw youth mental health service and that the entire southeast region continues to be left behind.
Deputy McGuinness was speaking following a meeting in Leinster House that he and fellow Sinn Féin TD David Cullinane held with representatives from Waterford Comhairle na nÓg.
“It is an absolute scandal that Waterford City and County still have no Jigsaw youth mental health service – and that the south east remains the only region in the state without one,” Deputy McGuinness said.
“Young people have been sounding the alarm on mental health for years. They’ve made the case again and again for a Jigsaw service in Waterford – and today’s meeting with Comhairle na nÓg was no different. What was different was the strength and clarity of the message: the need is urgent, and the Government’s excuses have worn thin.
“These young people aren’t just asking for help – they’re demanding action. And they’re absolutely right to do so.”
Deputy McGuinness said that youth mental health services across the country are under severe pressure and that Waterford’s exclusion from even the basic level of provision is “a stark example of regional inequality.”
Government delivery
Government Chief Whip and Minister for Mental Health Mary Butler T.D. for Waterford has reiterated her intention to secure a youth mental health service for Waterford and the South East at a meeting with members of the Waterford Comhairle na nÓg this week.
Minister Butler invited the delegation from Comhairle na nÓg to her office in Government Buildings this week, where she confirmed her office had received a formal proposal from Jigsaw in recent weeks to establish a youth mental health service for Waterford and the South East.
In addition, the Minister confirmed she has invited proposals from other relevant organisations, including Mental Health Ireland, the NGO behind the Mindspace youth mental health service in Mayo.
The Minister also shared with the Comhairle na nÓg members that work to secure a suitable premises for a youth mental health service had begun with the chief executive of Waterford City and County Council. The Minister has shared her intentions to establish the service with the HSE Integrated Health Area manager for Waterford and Wexford, Dr. Sinead Reynolds.
Minister Butler said: “I am determined to establish a youth mental health service for the young people of Waterford and the South East. I believe every young person should have access to an early intervention service for mild and moderate mental health issues.
“I commend the members of Waterford Comhairle na nÓg for their advocacy and support for this project, and I am very grateful to them for meeting with me this week, where I was able to hear directly from them about the issues facing young people in Waterford, particularly concerning school stress and bullying.
“I have received a proposal from Jigsaw, and I have also met with Mental Health Ireland to hear more about their model of service provided by the Mindspace youth mental health service in Mayo.
“I have also spoken to the new chief executive of Waterford City and County Council to explore securing suitable premises for the proposed new service.
“I am evaluating all of the options available to me as Minister in how best to provide a youth mental health service for Waterford, and also other areas of the country where a service has yet to be established.
“It is my firm intention, as Minister for Mental Health, to secure the funding for a youth mental health service for Waterford and the South East in the Budget Estimates process for 2026.”
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