Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Like all the damning reports on the failings in our health service, this interim report on child and adolescent mental health services struck an alarming cord. In the mid-west, we have 116 children on a waiting list for assessment for over a year. Many of these children are from north Tipperary. This failure affects our children and young people, our vulnerable and voiceless citizens. It is a disgrace, an abomination and a scandal. It is heartbreaking to learn that so many young people have been utterly failed.

People are angry. They are disgusted and above all else, they are frightened. The mental health of our children and adolescents has been compromised.

The question on everyone's lips is, how is it possible that so many cases within CAMHS system were simply lost? How is it possible that cases were not followed through once a child reached the age of 18? How were young people left taking anti-psychotic medication indefinitely without the required monitoring that is essential to their well-being? These are not isolated incidents. The fact that it happened in four out of the five CHOs makes this a national scandal of the highest order.

This lack of follow-up has left some families without a review appointment or advice about their child's care while on medication. These practices have grave repercussions for a child's physical and mental health. It cannot and should not be tolerated.

It is evident from the report that there are serious deficiencies in leadership, management and integration structures that must be urgently addressed. There is a massive problem with staffing deficits. The CAHMS interim report points to stress and burnout in a significant number of team members.

There is insufficient staff to provide a safe level of care across the vast majority of healthcare services. Thousands of staff have fled the Irish healthcare service. Excessive demands are being placed on remaining and existing healthcare staff. They are overwhelmed and simply cannot cope.

A vital health service cannot run successfully unless there is sufficient manpower in place to keep the wheels turning. Until we succeed in retaining and recruiting staff, we will not see improvements in our health services. Providing extra capacity and additional services is absolutely necessary but it is a wasted exercise if there are not sufficient people to allow them function.

Since this damning interim report was made public, the Minister has said that the HSE is seeking to appoint a national clinical lead for youth mental health, which will bring consistency to how teams across the State are regulated. I welcome it, and I also welcome the recruitment of an assistant national director to ensure the kind of integration that the interim report has highlighted. This will bring the provision of mental health services in line with the way in which adult mental health services are delivered.

While such announcements are welcome, it is critical that they materialise as quickly as possible. Every action taken to address the dysfunction and anomalies is welcome. However, we must also acknowledge that we are attempting to close the door after so much damage has been done to defenceless victims. It is certainly cold comfort to the children, adolescents and their families who have fallen victim to the recent malfunction of the service.

The Minister and Minsters of State, together with all Members of this House, have an obligation and a duty to ensure effective action is implemented with urgency.

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