Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for coming in and for the phenomenal work they are doing in this area. Work like this grows out of passion and need. The work they are doing is brilliant.

It is very disappointing, particularly for the group that is before us today, that the Bill to reform the Mental Health Act is not on the priority publication list. My concern is that the lack of movement on that reform Bill means it probably will not move at all, due to upcoming elections and so on. Could the committee write to the Department or the Minister on this issue? We have to do something to change that situation.

I wish to follow up on Deputy Gino Kenny's comments on assessments. I am shocked that private assessments start from €800 and go up to thousands of euro but when people try to attend CAMHS, the assessments are not even considered. That is concerning. Why are the assessments so expensive? All present have families, children or grandchildren. It is shocking that it would cost that amount of money for those in dire need of support, such as children who are in distress or suicidal, to get an assessment. What is the thinking of the witnesses on that issue? Why is it so expensive to get an assessment?