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Dáil
‹ Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation

Changing Lives Initiative funding

Summary

Deputy Ó Murchú sought continued funding to expand the ADHD-focused Changing Lives Initiative without requiring a diagnosis. The Minister of State said she engages with ADHD Ireland, noted existing child and adult ADHD services, and was open to reviewing the pilot.

The Changing Lives Initiative is a community-based, cross-Border project creating a better understanding of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, ADHD, and providing an intervention programme for families with children between three and seven years of age experiencing behaviours consistent with ADHD. Since 2023, it has been available in Louth and Meath, and I know there are further plans. We need to make sure the funding is available to expand this pilot. The real benefit of this project is the fact that kids do not need a diagnosis to participate and it has been shown to have a hugely positive impact on the children and those families. I know that myself from families I have spoken to. I needed to bring this up on the basis that, at the moment, in the audiovisual room, there is a presentation ongoing from the Changing Lives Initiative, and my wife, Annemarie, is one of those people who are presenting, so I think I have my job done. This is one of the vital interventions that are required, and I ask that we look at this and at expanding this pilot so it can provide some interventions for kids and families across Ireland.

Comment on this

I thank the Deputy for raising the issue of ADHD and the pilot programme to which he referred. I engage consistently with Ken Kilbride of ADHD Ireland. It is important to note that approximately 35% to 40% of children who present to child and adolescent mental health services, CAMHS, do so with ADHD. We are open to looking at any of the pilot projects to see how well they are doing. It is important to note also that previously we did not have any ADHD teams for adults. ADHD does not stop at 18. We now have five teams in place. If the Deputy wants to send me on some information, we can look at it.

Comment on this