Mark Ward (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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Dr. Muldoon mentioned the continuing practice of admitting children into adult psychiatric facilities. It is a draconian practice and, as he highlighted, we need to get rid of it at this stage. It seems that some of the most vulnerable children, with acute mental health needs, are admitted to adult psychiatric hospitals. It is a frightening experience for any child to be admitted to a hospital for mental health reasons but that is made worse and exacerbated if the child is admitted to an adult psychiatric ward that does not meet their needs.

Last year, 27 children were placed in adult psychiatric facilities. While I acknowledge that this figure is a good deal lower than in previous years, which is welcome, it is still 27 children too many. The children and young people who were placed in these facilities are already in an incredibly difficult place with their mental health. This practice is, therefore, unacceptable. Will Dr. Muldoon elaborate on capacity issues in youth mental health services, such as the child and adolescent mental health services, CAMHS, and other youth mental health services? I will also raise this matter during statements on youth mental health in the Dáil tomorrow. Why is the Government proposing to maintain in the Bill the wording that those aged under 18 will not be admitted to adult facilities "in so far as practicable"? I know what Dr. Muldoon's answer will be but should we be prohibiting this practice?