Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Browne clearly has a very good grasp of the underlying issues. I accept there are issues and challenges but there are also many management issues to be addressed. One of the initiatives I wish to drive through, which I have discussed with the Department, is what I call the front-door system whereby there is one point of contact for everybody who has a mental health issue who is seeking help. When a person dials the number, he or she is appropriately referred. At the moment, if a person wakes up and is feeling a bit low, it is not clear who to ring - ALONE, Aware, Jigsaw, primary care, the emergency department or the GP.

Deputy Browne referred to the number of children on various lists. A GP could refer a child to CAMHS, Jigsaw or NEPS. Children can be on several waiting lists. We need a point of responsibility within each CHO to take responsibility for the care pathway. I want to meet with such a person when he or she is appointed in order to ensure we have a national streamlined, coherent plan. Some of the people included on the waiting lists are waiting for one day. They could have rung yesterday seeking an appointment. I am reasonably assured, for the most part, that everybody who needs an urgent appointment gets one. That is what most practitioners on the ground tell me.

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