Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

There are many challenges in primary care for under 18s. The waiting list is at all-time high of 10,500. It is an issue I have inherited. I met the Minister on this issue recently and I have met the HSE primary care team. The team and the section of the Department that deals with mental health are aware that more than 5,000 under-18s are currently on that waiting list for more than 12 months and we are looking at a targeted intervention to reduce the waiting list next year. A process is being put in place to see where we can get the capacity to so do. The Deputy is correct that there are psychologist vacancies. We are looking at a targeted approach. I will visit Cork in January or February, Covid permitting, to meet the teams there. Significant good work has been done, but we have to do more.

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