Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)

In my opinion, children and adolescents should be treated up to the age of 18 years by the child and adolescent services. Otherwise, a situation could arise where an individual develops a psychiatric episode at the age of 14 years and is treated by one consultant up to the age of 16 years, then he or she would be treated by another consultant until 18 years and then transferred. This is not best practice and that is accepted by the expert group which examined the issue. I agree opinion is divided among psychiatrists.

The HSE and the Department of Health and Children are supporting the DETECT model of early diagnosis of psychosis. It is being rolled out in the Dublin area. It is proposed to roll out another model in a different environment, such as a rural area. I am considering this and seeking funding for it.

I am also consulting with general practitioners. The opinion of those in the medical profession such as general practitioners is that if the proper funding was given in the primary care area, there could be quicker diagnosis and treatment for young people with psychosis who need treatment. As I stated in my reply, the vast majority of people can be treated in the community. I am meeting a group of general practitioners soon to roll out a counselling and cognitive therapy service for people, especially young people, with requirements in this area. That is one of the recommendations of the expert group, that not all children or adults with psychosis should necessarily have to be referred directly to a psychiatrist and a multidisciplinary team. The feeling is that services need to be changed so people with psychosis and psychiatric problems should be sent directly to counselling or psychotherapists where the general practitioner is of that opinion.

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