Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)

The waiting list for children needing psychological treatment in Kerry and the Cork-Kerry region from 2022 to 2025 as recently outlined by the HSE shows a growth pattern that can only be described as horrendous. The risk grew by 470% during that period. This is inexcusable. The shocking figures for Kerry show that the number of children registered in 2022 was 217. This figure for 2025 is 1,022. It is indefensible that the HSE would allow this trend to continue unchecked for over four and a half years. Is it down to bad management on the part of the HSE? Is the option to replace the management team responsible being considered? We have already had the CAMHS scandal in north and south Kerry. I know many of the families affected. Their lives have been absolutely ruined. I deal with them daily. I am worried that we will see a repeat of that. We cannot allow a repeat of that disaster. It is crucial that the voice of these children, who are the responsibility of all of us, is heard in the upcoming budget. It is a most dangerous position that these children have been allowed to fall into, through no fault of their own. I genuinely have serious concerns about this issue. It does not seem to be going away. It is of the utmost importance that Mr. Gloster outlines to us today the valid reasons, if any, why we find our healthcare community in this horrendous position and the emergency solutions that are being implemented along with timelines and drastic improvements. This cannot be allowed to continue any longer.