KEVIN McPARTLAN,
Madam, - Micheál Martin is to be congratulated for for becoming the first serving Minister for Health to visit the Central Mental Hospital (The Irish Times, February 20th). It seems to underline a genuine interest in the area of mental health which Mr Martin has demonstrated throughout his time in this post.
Without ignoring the abhorrent conditions in the Central Mental Hospital, it is important to point out that hospitals across the State treat people with mental illness in absolutely appalling conditions.
A procession of Ministers from all major parties, the Department of Health, health boards and society at large have tolerated mental services provided almost exclusively in dilapidated hospitals staffed by skilled and dedicated, but hopelessly overwhelmed professionals.
Amnesty International recently published a report, "Mental Health - The Neglected Quarter", which concluded that Ireland could be found in breach of international human rights law as a result of conditions and treatment in our psychiatric hospitals.
Each year the Inspector of Mental Hospital presents a report to Government detailing outrageous shortcomings in these institutions and each year it is all but ignored.
Mr Martin has established the new Mental Health Commission. He has also appointed a talented and skilful Minister of State, Mr Tim O'Malley, to have responsibility for mental health. The welcome these measures is diminished only by the frustration at how long we have had to wait for them.
I commend this Government for the commitments it has made to improve the range and quality of mental mental health services in Ireland. But Promises, pledges and assurances are not enough.The time has come for action.
People with mental illness must be encouraged to play, in so far as is possible, an active role in planning their treatment and therapy. Advocates must be provided to represent the interests of patients. Family members and other carers most be consulted.
The stigma that surrounds mental illness must be attacked at every opportunity and society must face up to the reality that one in four people will suffer mental illness in their lifetime.
Let us ensure that people who are mentally ill are offered the best care, treatment and support the State can provide. As Amnesty's report pointed out, it is not only their moral due, but also their legal right. - Yours, etc.,
KEVIN McPARTLAN,
Castlegarr,
Bowling Green,
Mallow,
Co Cork.