Alex White (Dublin South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputies for their contributions. I understand Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl's point that sometimes people's eyes glaze over when figures are provided. Behind the figures, however, lies a considerable improvement in the real and actual experiences of people who need the services. For example, where more staff and resources are provided, even though we describe them to the House in terms of numbers, considerable improvements in the way the service is received are experienced by those who need it. I accept what the Deputy said about the objective of ensuring no child under 18 years should be admitted other than to an age appropriate, acute inpatient facility, other than in exceptional circumstances. That is the objective the Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, is committed to achieving.

Deputy Dan Neville makes the point about the actual use of funds, which he understands very well. He is right to say those who know the services should always have their views taken into account and implemented as far as possible. Something in the order of 17,000 children are availing of CAMHS and all community teams screen the children and adolescents referred to their services on the basis of urgency of need. Children and adolescents in need of an urgent appointment are seen as a high priority, as one would expect, while those with a lower acuity may have to wait longer.

I accept what was said about the configuration of services and the importance of emergency services and will communicate everything the Deputies have said to the Minister of State who is very engaged with the issue and on which she has made considerable progress.

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