A Sligo/Leitrim TD says mental health needs to be given the same priority as physical health.
Fianna Fail Deputy Eamon Scanlon says he has been contacted by families who have had to visit hospital emergency departments with loved ones who were suicidal.
But he says some were sent home with only a vague promise of being given an appointment with a mental health professional.
He says this is a horrific ordeal for any person to experience.
And he adds that sometimes, GPs also may need someone to talk to when dealing with young people and parents struggling with mental health issues:
