Violet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

On the issue of the review into open CAMHS cases I mentioned earlier, I would appreciate if the Minister of the State would inform me of the steps that have been taken to follow up with the 140 children and young people who fell between the cracks and crucially what steps have been taken to ensure that never happens again. I do not think I can underscore enough the fundamental importance of early intervention in the case of a young person who is suffering with mental health difficulties. We need to support young people and their families throughout Clare and the mid-west.

I welcome the news of the hub the Minister of State mentioned. It is positive information. Again though, it is in Limerick city and for people who live in west Clare, which is more than 45 km from Ennis, it is a greater distance for them to travel. My concern is about distress being caused for individuals and their families in trying to make an appointment for supports and services relating to mental health. I highlight that the HSE's response to my parliamentary question mentions, as the Minister of State also mentioned, the outreach accommodation being sought in west Clare and that is welcome. However, I note that there is no mention of west Clare. Why is that? There is a primary care centre in Kilrush which would be ideal. Why has space not been sought there?

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