Joe Loughnane, who has been advocating for separate admission units for those in mental health emergencies, told the Public Petitions Committee on Tuesday evening he believed his brother would still be alive if such units existed in Ireland. The committee was considering his petition to establish mental health emergency departments and 24/7 crisis care centres. “He waited over an hour and a half before walking out and ending his life,” Loughnane told the committee. She outlined a 2020 study she co-authored, which involved interviews with 50 people across Ireland who attended an emergency department during a mental health emergency. Pieta Freephone: 1800 247 247 or text HELP to 51444.

Source: The Irish Times February 25, 2026 16:46 UTC