CAMHS waiting lists
Marc MacSharry criticises delays in child and adolescent mental health services, saying the national statistics do not reflect long waits in the north west. The Taoiseach cites a 68% rate of children seen within 12 weeks, but MacSharry insists hundreds are waiting and the Taoiseach should address the national problem.
There is a reference on page 66 of the programme for Government to building further capacity in child and adolescent mental health services, CAMHS. On page 75 there is a reference to "Prioritising the Early Years" and on page 80 to "Giving Vulnerable Young People the Best Chance in Life". I put it to the Taoiseach that so far the programme for Government has been an abject failure in the context of CAMHS. As a trained physician himself, what is the Taoiseach going to do to meet the very reasonable demands of the Enough is Enough national campaign? I speak on behalf of Deputy Scanlon and myself - I am sure Deputy Martin Kenny would agree - in saying that Sligo represents a case in point given that there are some 400 children on a waiting list, many for years, and that 87 of them are in serious need of help. Up to recently, they have only had the benefit of the goodwill of a retired psychiatrist who returned to give 20 hours in order to see the urgent cases. We gather that a locum has been put in place recently for a longer period. Will the Taoiseach take action in respect of this matter and, if necessary, use the €15 billion that still has not been touched in terms of the National Treatment Purchase Fund in order to look after those most vulnerable children in society? In raising this matter, it would be remiss of me not to acknowledge the presence in the Gallery of members of the Enough is Enough campaign from around the country, including Councillor Healy and others from the north west.
Comment on this
Currently, 68% of children referred to CAMHS are seen within 12 weeks and cases that are assessed by CAMHS professionals as being urgent are seen as a matter of priority over those that are assessed as being routine.
Comment on this
With respect, perhaps that is the case in Castleknock but it is not the case in the north west.
Comment on this
We cannot hide behind statistics. The reality is that 400 children have been left waiting.
Comment on this
If the question is a local issue and not one relating to promised legislation, I suggest-----
Comment on this
It is a national issue. The people in Sligo are citizens of this country. It is not just a local issue.
Comment on this
If it is a national issue, I am happy to give the national answer. If, however, I am interrupted with a local issue, I do not see how I can answer that.
Comment on this
The Taoiseach cannot stand the heat. He wanted the job; what is he going to do now that he has it?