In the midst of all the music and mud, one tent in Electric Picnic's Mindfield section delved deep into the issue of mental health in Ireland.
The panel discussion, put together by Lust for Life and Shane Gillen, involved Pieta House CEO Brian Higgins, Blind Boy of Rubberbandits, clinician Dr. Malie Coyne and Minister for Health Simon Harris.
Moderator Roisin Ingle pressed Minister Harris for his thoughts on whether or not he believes restricted access to abortion in Ireland is a mental health issue, in light of the recent
#twowomentravel story that took over social media some weeks ago.
Minister Harris reiterated his respect for the two women involved, referring to the story as important and difficult, before asserting that he had been "very clear in [my] belief that we should have a referendum in Ireland" on the issue of the 8th Amendment which currently restricts access to abortion.
When Ingle pointed out to Harris that Taoiseach Enda Kenny hadn't expressed similar support for a referendum, Harris simply agreed, saying "He hasn't responded."
Videos of the exchange can be seen below:
https://twitter.com/TVsCarlKinsella/status/772521508270989312
https://twitter.com/TVsCarlKinsella/status/772521968167968769
https://twitter.com/TVsCarlKinsella/status/772522520260018177
