A Kerry TD says rising suicide deaths and self-harm cases in the county point to a mounting mental health crisis.
Sinn Féin TD Pa Daly says families and communities are reeling from the loss of life through suicide.
He warns that tragic outcomes continue despite repeated commitments to improve mental health services.
Deputy Pa Daly says the government and the HSE (Health Service Executive) must invest in services proven to save lives, including early intervention, crisis response teams, family-centred supports, addiction services, and integrated mental health care.
He says Kerry's lack of a dedicated dual diagnosis service for people experiencing both addiction and mental health difficulties is a significant gap in care.
According to Deputy Daly, people with both addiction and mental illness are often passed between separate services instead of receiving co-ordinated treatment.
He says addiction and mental illness frequently occur together, and warns that treating one without addressing the other leaves people at greater risk.
Deputy Daly says Kerry needs more than awareness campaigns and is calling for properly resourced community mental health teams, seven-day crisis support and a dedicated dual diagnosis service.
He says every suicide is a devastating tragedy and that Kerry deserves a mental health system that intervenes before people reach crisis, rather than responding afterwards.
Anyone affected by these topics can contact the Samaritans anytime at 116 123.
