David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The Taoiseach should show leadership and not shout across the Chamber. If he is ready, I wish to make my contribution.

The programme for Government contains a commitment to build further capacity in child and adolescent mental health services, CAMHS. Yesterday, the annual report of the Ombudsman for Children was published. It showed there was a shocking shortage of staffing, and the impact on children and young people in the service is highlighted. In my constituency of Waterford, I have met a number of families in recent times who have seen their young children placed in adult psychiatric wards because we do not have the facilities in the region. The report highlights in particular the lack of CAMHS consultants who provide out-of-hours cover in ten HSE community healthcare organisation, CHO, areas, the south east being one. This is absolutely shocking. The Taoiseach's Government, in its programme for Government, committed to increase capacity, yet we have a report from the Ombudsman that says the opposite is happening.

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