Ms Kate Mitchell:

I thank the Deputy for his comments and questions. Things have changed in a number of respects. For example, there has been a substantial decrease in child admissions to adult units and investment in initiatives and services like Jigsaw, which provides valuable support to young people in the community. However, it seems that we take one step forward but two steps back and I shall give a good example. A national director for mental health was appointed and a national mental health division was established but the service was dissolved early last year and resulted in a gap in services. There is a requirement for a director who has distinct leadership and oversight when it comes to the national mental health budget, planning, reporting and implementation. The Mental Health Reform organisation has, since the dissolution of the office and post, consistently advocated for re-instatement.

I am sure that Members are well aware that there have been issues with releasing mental health development funding this year. The fund amounts to €55 million but only €30 million has been released to date and this is October. We need investment to sustain the existing levels of services. We also need investment in new mental health services to develop the sorely needed supports, not just in specialist mental health services but in primary care, community and voluntary supports. We also need a clear commitment. To echo the comments made by Mr. Power, it is not just the business of the Department of Health to address these issues. There needs to be a whole-of-government approach if we are to effectively improve the mental health outcomes of children and young people who live in Ireland.

Data and research are required. At present there is no national mental health information system. The child and adolescent mental health services, CAMHS, used to report and provide comprehensive details on who accessed its services and what happened in the services. Unfortunately, the data is no longer provided. If we are to effectively plan, deliver and implement services that meet the needs of children and young people then we need data and research.