The programme for Government contains a commitment that no child should be admitted to an adult psychiatric ward or unit. According to a recent newspaper article, however, a lack of beds is forcing Wexford children into adult psychiatric units. The paper reports that children with severe mental health problems are being admitted to adult psychiatric wards due to the lack of age appropriate facilities and that concerned parents in County Wexford say they are in a living hell. When is the Government going to take mental health seriously and stop this practice once and for all? When will it put proper facilities in place for these young people?

I call the Minister.

The newspaper quotes a single father whose 16 year old son first attempted suicide at 14 and who says his child has been denied essential treatment.

There are ten other Members I am trying to accommodate. Is the Minister in a position to answer?

That any child should be inappropriately placed in an adult psychiatric hospital is clearly a matter for concern. Notwithstanding that, special provision has been made every year since 2011 to extend budgets for mental health services and that has seen the opening of new beds, the creation of new primary care services and the extension of employment in the service. However, the need continues to grow at a pace that often outstrips the extra resources being provided. It is an explicit target of the HSE to eliminate this problem and it reports monthly on the progress it is making.