MHR says there is a serious shortfall in out-of-hours crisis support – which the HSE has failed to deliver despite its commitments.
It is calling for an extra €35 million to be spent in the next budget – with funding set aside for more community counsellors and a national campaign to reduce the stigma of mental health issues.
MHR Director Dr Shari McDaid says 24-7 supports are urgently needed or more lives could be put at risk.
“We need, not only the nurses, but we need new ways of working so that people can get access” she said.
“We're still hearing that people would end up in A&E for upwards of eight, nine, 10, even 11 hours waiting for urgent support when they're in crisis”.
“And that's not appropriate” she added.