Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Even accepting the number the Minister of State has outlined, it is a scandalous situation. He is talking about 2,400 being on the list nationally with 656 of those in the Cork and Kerry area. That is only one area out of nine, yet it amounts to more than one fifth of the national list. Some 174 children and their families have been waiting for in excess of 12 months to be seen. That is extraordinary, no matter what context one puts it in. We have 50% of the recommended number of consultant psychiatrists for the Cork and Kerry area and it is having an impact. It impacts on the quality of people's lives. The lack of assessment restricts people's opportunities and potential. It is very distressing and difficult. There are families and children who are in extremely serious, distressing situations. The Government response has not been good enough for seven or eight years. The implementation of A Vision for Change is far short of where it should be. It is time the Government stepped up on mental health and started delivering.

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