James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Recently released figures show that 82 posts are vacant in CAMHS, including consultants and clinical nurse specialists. The scale of the vacancies is frightening. Essential consultant, psychologist, nurse and social work posts have not been filled. About one in eight positions is vacant. The situation is made worse by the fact that the Government continues to fail and fall short of what is required under A Vision for Change. The figures show that CAMHS is clearly struggling, with only half of the required staff in place to provide a full service. Successive Ministers have promised to prioritise mental health services, but the reality is that the area continues to be a blind spot for the Department of Health. There have been recent staff shortages which have resulted in the cancellation of services in Cork, as highlighted by Deputies Billy Kelleher and Micheál Martin. This is reflected across the country, including in my county of Wexford.

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