James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Minister of State mentioned the number of CAMHS teams but the vast majority of these are understaffed. She spoke about the difficulty in recruiting psychiatrists. This year, the College of Psychiatrists of Ireland sought a 10% increase in the number of training places from the HSE but the executive would only approve a 5% increase. The Government refuses to extend the National Treatment Purchase Fund to cover mental health services and refuses to appoint a digital safety commissioner, who would be critical in addressing the concerns young people experience online. Due to infighting between Departments, Pathfinder, a crucial programme set up by the Government, is not being financed in order that it can implement necessary supports for young people. Dr. Kieran Moore, a consultant psychiatrist, left Wexford because Slaney House is not fit for purpose. He left after having been there for 13 years. We were promised a new building last October but it has still not been delivered. Children and parents are distraught and it is simply not acceptable. Not enough is being done.

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