Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

There can be no denying that there are significant problems with the CAMHS system and that these need to be fixed. The recent review of south Kerry CAMHS uncovered widespread failings in the service. While the effects on some of these children were horrific, the fact that there were failings is no surprise to anybody. If we really want to cherish all the children of the nation equally, we can start by ensuring that children and adolescents have access to the vital services they need around mental health. This is not being delivered when one considers that there are thousands of children waiting for treatments of various types.

I welcome the Taoiseach's recent confirmation that there will be a full audit nationwide of compliance with CAMHS operation guidelines. However, this audit should be extended to include geographic inequalities and capacity deficiencies. The geographic inequalities are clear for all to see. As of October 2021, in CHO 3, which is in the constituency of Limerick that I represent, the number of patients aged under 18 waiting for psychology treatment for in excess of one year was 36% of the total. In CHO 6, it was 3%. The people of the mid-west deserve better. One third of children in need of psychology treatment are waiting more than one year. Let that sink in. It is shocking. These are young people in their formative years. Without early intervention, issues will escalate. One year is a very long time to go without necessary treatment. We should all be cognisant that, globally, suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among children between the ages of 14 to 19. We have had too little investment in mental health services. CAMHS does not have the resources to deal with the numbers of young people who are desperately seeking help and support. The vacancies, particularly in the field of psychology, must be filled. In other countries, psychology is considered a basic service.

The time for apologies is over. It is high time to tackle the extreme waiting lists and take meaningful steps to address children's mental health services. In its two budgets, this Government could have increased the amount of the health budget assigned to mental health, but it did not do nearly enough. As stated by colleagues, Sinn Féin's alternative budget called for an investment of €113 million in CAMHS. We need, at least, 10% of the health budget assigned to mental health services, as recommended in Sláintecare.

Sinn Féin has called for 24-7 access to mental health services. One such de-escalation unit will be trialled in Limerick. I cannot wait for that service to start in the second half of this year. It will provide for the triaging of mental health contacts by a team of paramedics, gardaí and a mental health expert. A similar scheme in Belfast, introduced by my party colleague, Órlaithí Flynn, MLA, has proven to be successful. If the Limerick trial proves to be successful, and I am confident it will, such a de-escalation model should be made available as a priority to all CHO areas across the state.

I cannot speak for other areas, but I can say that in Limerick the volunteer mental health organisations do a phenomenal job. Too often, they are the ones dealing with out-of-hours crises. It should not have to be this way. It is high time for the Government to step up and commit to mental health services for children and adolescents and to increase capacity and ensure sufficient expert staff are available so children no longer have to wait one year for vital apportionments.

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