Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank colleagues for raising this important issue. I point out that the substantial increase in mental health funding in recent years has helped to fund an extra 4.79 consultant psychiatrists in CHO 4 since 2016. I accept that there is a problem. The CHO has stated that there are 7.25 vacancies at consultant level in mental health. I accept that reality. Deputy Ferris has raised the issue of resources in CHO 4 and the 656 on the CAMHS waiting list. Dramatic action has to be taken on those figures. Deputy Buckley said 656 was too high and asked how we make things work. We make things work by recruiting staff and investing what is necessary. Deputy Ó Laoghaire made an important point about the need for progress on these issues. I am listening to the Deputy's arguments. Over the next week or two, we will do the Estimates for the HSE for 2019. I have prioritised assessment of needs and this issue is in my top five requests, along with emergency places, residential places and personal assistance hours. When I am divvying up the €1.8 billion that we are spending this year on disability services, I will demand action on these issues.

Of course, I have been listening to colleagues in Cork and Kerry in recent months, and Deputy Brassil knows this as well. I am very conscious of the fact there are issues in these areas and we need action on them. I will try to do something about it.

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