Eugene Murphy (Roscommon-Galway, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The programme for Government placed quite an emphasis on treating all our children equally and looking after them, but there are 132 children in County Roscommon waiting to see a child psychologist. This is an increase of 127% since 2015. In response to a parliamentary question, the Minister for Health has opened a panel. Will the Taoiseach and the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Zappone, address this issue urgently?

On top of that, Syrian immigrants will come to Ballaghaderreen in the first week of March. Among those 82 people will be 34 children and I am sure that, after what they have gone through, some will need this service.

We are facing a major crisis. I am making a personal plea to the Taoiseach and the Minister to look after this issue and ensure it is addressed. To be honest, one of the child psychologists went out sick last year and has not been replaced. That must be addressed as a matter of urgency.

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