Mark Ward (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. As I said I have met the HSE numerous times. It came before the Oireachtas Sub-Committee on Mental Health on Tuesday. It was probably one of the more positive meetings we have had with the HSE. I acknowledge the work done by the staff in CAMHS. They are doing their best. It seemed to be systemic failures that impeded them from doing their best for the children they look after.

An issue that came up at the meeting, about which I was concerned, is that CAMHS has said it has identified 140 children lost to follow-up but it has yet to meet these children and their families. This is the answer that I got on Tuesday. Will the Minister of State give us a timeframe on when this will be carried out? It is of utmost importance that these children and their families are sat down and a plan is put in place for them. It is all right to identify them in paper files but seeing people face-to-face needs to happen.

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