Minister for Mental Health sitting at Cabinet is a very positive step – JIGSAW

Jigsaw, the National Centre for Youth Mental Health, welcomes the announcement of Mary Butler TD as ‘Super Junior’ Minister of State responsible for Mental Health.

Minister of State Butler has been appointed as Government Chief Whip alongside the role in Mental Health.

This will place someone with responsibility for mental health at the highest level of government decision-making. The role of Chief Whip will also give MoS Butler a strong say in setting the legislative agenda.

Dr Joseph Duffy, CEO of Jigsaw, said: 

“I want to really warmly welcome and congratulate Minister Butler on her appointment. We have worked very positively in the past and I know that Minister Butler is proud of her track record in mental health having over seen substantial increases in the allocation for mental health during her first term as Minister.

“In Jigsaw we look forward to building on this positive relationship and helping to build a well-resourced mental health sector in Ireland so that any young person, no matter where they are in the country, can get the help they need when they need it.

“It is important that this new government deals with the problems in acute services and moves strategically to resourcing early intervention. Jigsaw look forward to working with Minister Butler to help make this ambition a reality.”