Add to this the huge amount of people with medical cards presenting for depression and it becomes evident to me that it’s easier and cheaper to dispense tranquillisers in Ireland than time and a listening ear.

Childline
Not unconnected with reaching out a helping hand, the most effective supports groups in Ireland have always been voluntary. 

That’s exactly what Childline is, probably the most effective first choice option for trouble young people. Statistically they call to talk through incidents of violence and abuse, bullying, sexuality and suicide.

Yet sadly only 47 per cent of the calls get answered at all. It’s not down to an inefficient service, it’s just that they’re maxxed out to the limit and can do no more with the resources available.

Childline are getting better at it though; five years ago only 20 per cent of calls were answered. Now they accept text and e-mails too. You’d think that the Government and HSE would be begging to fund them?  

Missing TDs
And finally, last word (or lack of it) to our local Fianna Fail city TDs who were off the radar on Monday and Tuesday when we called each and every one of them for a comment on the trials and tribulations of Bertie Ahern.

Apart from Senior man Martin (who was flying to Brussels and could not talk on-air) not one of the city TDs either took a call or called us back at 96FM.

In the case of Noel O’Flynn his office wasn’t even sure where he was or what he was doing! Even their mobiles rang out or went straight to voicemail.

Has Bertie Ahern really got that much power over grown men?

Spooky.

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