Martin Ferris (Kerry, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Jim Daly, for the response, even though I do not hold out much hope. Last year, in an independent survey of parents who accessed CAMHS, only 18% of the respondents were satisfied with it overall. Of 177 respondents, only 23 were willing to recommend the services. Only 32% of respondents felt that the service was beneficial to their child. This is not a reflection on the dedicated and committed staff. The problem is a lack of resources. The Minister of State said he intends to employ more people in that service. It is not just a sticking plaster approach that is needed. A fundamental root-and-branch approach is needed to ensure we have the services needed and that they deal with the mental health budget. The services are inadequate. Unless that is addressed in a fundamental and progressive way, we will have the same problems again.

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