Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I respect what the Minister of State has said. I have no doubt the HSE is trying to recruit consultants not only for Cork but throughout the country. However, it is not working, unfortunately. I do not have the answer for the Minister of State in respect of how to solve this. The HSE is going to have to prioritise this issue. This is having a serious impact on the people who need to access services. Let us consider, for example, the child and adolescent mental health services team C based on Western Road in Cork. The team has been without a permanent consultant psychiatrist since May 2016. The post still has not been filled. A locum was recruited but resigned in October 2016. To date, no one has replaced that person.

As with much of the work we do, individual cases are brought to our attention. When we dig, we find out the information. One case has been brought to my attention. Someone was referred to CAMHS in July 2016 and was seen shortly afterwards following a necessary visit to the accident and emergency department. Six cognitive and behavioural therapy sessions were recommended but they have not materialised. No care plan or service plan is in place for the young child in question. The family are distraught. What am I to say to them? What answer has the Minister of State to their plight today?

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