Richard O'Donoghue (Limerick County, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The initial report on CAMHS in the mid-west looks damning, with an emphasis on the 140 children that were lost in the system. However, on further investigation, it seems that CAMHS brought this to the attention of the Mental Health Commission. A senior clinician had left the service, leaving a caseload behind him. One person leaving could result in 140 vulnerable children being left behind. That was brought to the attention of the commission in advance of the investigation. I have questions in that regard. Why did this not emerge before the investigation? It was notified, yet 140 vulnerable children were left behind as a result of one person leaving the system.

I have a few helpful solutions to make CAMHS into a robust, positive service for mental health in all areas. I referred to 140 vulnerable children being affected by one person leaving. CAMHS is specialised at working with children, yet qualified people who are professional in the field must also be overseen to reach the necessary standard.

Resourcing is a major issue, and the problem can be fixed by additional resources. First, we must make it viable for people to go into these positions and help other children. Investment in IT and in other ways is the way forward to helping CAMHS.

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