Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)

I will ask the Minister of State, Deputy Butler, to speak specifically to CAMHS. Deputy Cahill raised a range of different and really important issues relating to Kerry and the south-west region. I am quite conscious that I have not visited UHK. I want to compliment the very excellent work of the manager, who is really trying to drive process reform to improve the urgent and emergency care situation there. I have had good engagement with the integrated healthcare area managers and the regional executive in relation to the use of community beds across Cork and the south west generally, and increasing the facilities in Bantry, which, of course, would be of benefit to the people of south Kerry.

The Deputy mentioned cancer services in south Kerry. Our engagement looked also at trying to make sure that infusion services and so on can be delivered in Bantry, for example, as opposed to Cork. Something similar is appropriate and possible in separating the need for Kerry patients to go all the way to Cork University Hospital where some of the treatments can be given, including blood tests, infusions and other things, closer to home. I must come and spend a proper day looking at the detail relating to Kerry in the same way as I did in respect of Cork. I commit to doing that. I will ask the Minister of State, Deputy Butler, to speak to the specific CAMHS issues.