Sligo mental health services
Deputy McLoughlin asked about progress on A Vision for Change and the need for a Jigsaw-style youth mental health service in Sligo and Leitrim. The Taoiseach said he had referred the matter to the Minister of State, and Minister of State Helen McEntee outlined implementation progress and future Jigsaw openings.
The programme for Government commits to improving overall access to mental health services in this country. On this basis, will the Taoiseach please advise the House as to the progress of the delivery of recommendations of A Vision for Change? I ask this because, as I am sure he is aware after his meeting with Sharon Boles last week during his visit to Sligo, we urgently need a Jigsaw-like youth mental health service established in Sligo and Leitrim.
We need improved resources for our Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, CAMHS, in the region to reduce long waiting lists and the appointment of a lead consultant psychiatrist for this service as a matter of urgency.
Comment on this
I have sent a note to the Minister of State with responsibility for mental health services, Deputy McEntee, arising from the meeting I had in Sligo with Deputy McLoughlin and Ms Sharon Boles in respect of several queries about facilities for mental health in the Sligo area. The process of appointment of a consultant is a separate matter the Health Service Executive, HSE, will work on. I expect the Minister of State will respond to Deputy McLoughlin in time.
Comment on this
Yes. In respect of A Vision for Change, we have implemented almost 80% of the recommended positions, that is, more than 8.500 staff. Several other positions have been approved but we are having difficulty filling the vacancies.
With regard to Jigsaw, five more will open this year and there will be a new process for other counties to put themselves forward to open Jigsaw services too.