Colette Kelleher (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank all of the 14 witnesses for their different perspectives. The bit of conflict is also helpful. We are not all in agreement and there are different ways of addressing child mental health.

I was struck by Dr. O'Shea's and Dr. O'Brien's presentation, which drew our attention to the structural and societal reasons driving child mental ill health. They referenced the work of the Deep End group in particular. There is more mental ill health among poor children. The 2,700 children living in emergency accommodation have not had a good start in the context of their mental health journeys. The 1,200 children to whom Dr. Murphy referred who live in direct provision and the children who live on halting sites without access to basic services, such as running water in some cases, have not had a brilliant start in life in the context of their health and well-being. There was a young person from a LGBT background who spoke of the particular challenges they face and how those challenges manifest. Then there are people with disabilities and there are people with autism who do not fit into disability supports. I like the idea of a deprivation index and was shocked to hear that in Finglas in Dublin 15, where I started my life as community worker, there is not a child psychiatrist. That seems both shocking and amazing.

On a more positive note, there was synergy between Dr. Murphy's and Dr. Petitbon's presentations regarding a one-stop shop, based at a particular level. I was involved in something similar when I worked on the Sure Start programme in England. When I walk around London now, I see children's centres so I do not think that what Dr. Murphy is suggesting is a pipe dream.

I have two questions. I agree with the recovery model to which Dr. Hillery referred. In the absence of this kind of walk-in service for primary care and the lack of services in CAMHS, is the use of medication discussed? There are many doctors in the room. Is medication something that is used in the absence of anything else? What are the witnesses' views on medication for children and those under 18 years in general? I have particular views but I would like to hear those of the witnesses, as doctors. We want the radical rethink about which Dr. Murphy spoke. If there was one thing that witnesses could insert in the report, they might let me know. However, I am most interested in their views on medication.