Catherine Ardagh (Dublin South Central, Fianna Fail)

Okay. I will move on to CAMHS services. Again, I am speaking from both personal experience and as a representative of parents and families in CHO 7, particularly in Dublin South-Central. Will Mr. Gloster explain to the committee and public why children with severe self-harming behaviours, for whom multiple referrals have been made by GPs and paediatricians, are constantly refused by CAMHS? According to the reply to a recent parliamentary question I tabled, over 60% of referrals to CAMHS are refused. Can he explain to me why this is happening? What are the criteria? How come clinicians do not know the criteria for CAMHS referrals? Why are so many CAMHS referrals being refused? Tell the public please, Mr. Gloster.