A report by Oberstown Children’s Detention Centre was referred to by Lena Timoney, head of Care Services, on ‘Morning Ireland’ (June 14).

The report found 52pc of young people were identified as having mental health needs.

A multi-agency approach was being explored to address how best to deal with this very real concern.

Multi-agency discussions and co-operation are crucial and much more productive when people who are working on the ground are involved.

From our experience of working on the ground, in the field of homelessness since 1975, we can attest to this.

The mental health needs of our young people will grow unless there is a real commitment to change.

Appropriate planning and adequate funding must be made available, sooner rather than later, if we are to make any progress.

Alice Leahy Director of Services, Alice Leahy Trust