James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. I heard what she said, but I have to question whether the matter is being dealt with with the urgency and imagination required. The National Treatment Purchase Fund was in place under previous Fianna Fáil-led Governments. Would it be appropriate to consider using it to deal with mental health services until such time as they are brought up to speed and proper services are put in place? I refer, in particular, to psychologists. Parents are deeply concerned. Over 50% of all mental health issues manifest before children reach the age of 14 years. The longer they go without proper assessments the longer they will go without treatment and the greater the consequences for them, their families and society as a whole. I ask the Minister of State to consider alternative options in order to recruit the necessary staff.

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