Mr. Mark Smyth:

There is a public misperception about CAMHS, particularly regarding waiting lists and access to it. When HSE colleagues talk about the length of the waiting list, that does not represent everybody. There are three different types of referral to CAMHS. There is a routine one, a priority one and an urgent one. Children get access to CAMHS in a very timely way when there is very significant need. Obviously, we would like to reduce that to make sure everyone gets equitable access, but it is important that it is publicly acknowledged that children in acute crisis get access very quickly and get responded to. It is just that not everybody gets that same timely access and they should deserve that.