Dr. Colm Henry:

To add to that, a dedicated part of our response to ADHD were the three reports which were looking into prescribing our adherence to the operating guidance for CAMHS and also looking at the experience of service users. As to whether it merits a separate programme, my instinctive view is that we should integrate it with the wider mental health programme to see it as part of a broader response and provision of services to mental health rather than something that is distinct.

The Senator's earlier point about physical health and mental health is well made. We know that people with chronic mental health issues have a lower life expectancy, are higher users of emergency departments and hospital facilities, and have a higher prevalence of chronic disease with poorer outcomes. It is helpful not to see mental health as separate to but rather integrated with physical health.