Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The need for a database of available services was mentioned. I presume that would be co-ordinated by the HSE. I cannot identify them, as I do not have a grip of the level of services across the regions, but I know of certain facilities that are available locally. Given the proximity to Dublin and Temple Street Children's University Hospital, we are fortunate to have that type of service available to us on our doorstep, albeit with significant waiting lists.

Regarding the proliferation of the types of service that will be required in future, the witnesses referred to the - I will not say "slow" - gradual process of eliciting interest in a subject matter such as this and how that might pose issues in terms of recognising if we are at epidemic levels or whether that is just a phrase used in the media. Maybe we are. We must qualify what an epidemic is and its significance in terms of its effects across the board on the State's ability to provide the level of medical and other care that is necessary. Are the witnesses aware of any programme whereby the State is in the process of providing the level of service that is required within each geographic district of the HSE? Has there been any call for the provision of the types of service that the witnesses would view as basic for children and young adults in particular, but also for their parents? One usually follows the other.

My final question is a societal one. The point about there being less tolerance in a nanny state was made. I see that in virtually every aspect of what I do. In the 15 years I have been doing this, people's traditional expectations of the services provided versus what is now the norm have graduated to the point of disbelief on my part. Is there a clinical way that this can be dealt with at the point of a young child's entry into the witnesses' facility? How would they tackle that? What level of involvement would they have with the child's parent? For example, would they tell him or her to say "No"?

This is a broad subject matter. I began looking at it and reading about it a month or so ago. I thought I could be reading for a month. The question of how to tackle it is important.

I have certainly gained a lot of insight. The opening statement and remarks have been incredibly useful.