Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Rather than having it as an add-on we need to ensure that there is a culture of promotion of social and emotional intelligence that is embedded into a school culture rather than tacked on to something else. That is why we need a radical reform of the whole curriculum, particularly at second level. I am very conscious that we are talking about schools here, but not all schools are the same. Some are excellent, very outward looking, and embrace all these things. However, I am conscious of the level of bureaucracy and the high levels of work for teachers in schools and the impact of pupil teacher ratios in all of this in striving to do what is required of them and the load they have on them all the time.

On the impossible caseloads of CAMHS and NEPS, we must ask when is a service not a service? It is when it is not accessible or not accessible in a timely way. That is no reflection on either those working within NEPS or CAMHS but it is just not fit for purpose. We are told that millions and billions of euro are being made available for mental health. As public representatives, we all get calls from parents all of the time who need their children to access CAMHS and NEPS, but the service is just not there. It is not even there in the form of a call back.

For teachers and parents who do not have that, no matter how well intentioned they are, it is causing a blockage. What can be done for CAMHS and NEPS in this regard?