Catherine Ardagh (Dublin South Central, Fianna Fail)

I am flabbergasted that the HSE is not tracking how many CAMHS referrals are refused in each CHO area. I ask Mr. Gloster to provide the committee with those referrals broken down by CHO area, acceptance and refusal rates, as well as waiting times. It is just not acceptable for families and children in this day and age that the services are not available to them.

I have three minutes left. I wish to mention equine therapy. My colleague, Senator Anne Rabbitte, is a fantastic advocate for disability services. She asked me to ask about multi-annual and capital funding for Toghermore equine centre. We know that equine therapy has huge, measurable outcomes for children with disabilities. I am asking that the HSE evaluate how it can roll out further programmes, like expanding Cherry Orchard Equine Centre in my area. There is huge demand and waiting lists. When something works, why not expand it?

The figures with regard to respite services and CAMHS are startling. They are unforgivable.