Mr. Stephen Mulvany:

Through a total investment of €90 million in 2012 and 2013, 230 posts - accounting for €3 in every €10 - have been created in CAMHS. Of those, approximately 80% have been filled. This process will continue, improving our chances of improving the waiting list.

We would not want to give the impression that these matters are not being dealt with urgently. At the last meeting, it was mentioned that an overall protocol was being put in place across all HSE divisions with the Child and Family Agency. This protocol was not specific to mental health services. Previous protocols are in place governing how CAMHS and the Child and Family Agency interact. In this year’s operational plan, one of our focuses is on integrating our work with the agency to build on what has already been put in place. Where existing mechanisms are not working, they are subject to review.