Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Mental Health Commission report is a welcome contribution to a common objective of improving CAMHS services. As the Deputy will be aware, and as I have said previously, when Dr. Susan Finnerty and the Mental Health Commission informed me last year that they were about to look at CAMHS, I asked them to expand their review. I also funded what was necessary in this case.

I welcome the reports. Of the 49 recommendations, many are already being progressed under work streams arising from the Sharing the Vision Implementation Plan 2022 to 2024, the Maskey report, the CAMHS operational guideline, COG, audit and the national audit of prescribing practices. The programme for Government commits to improving all aspects of CAMHS in line with Sharing the Vision, our national mental health policy, and Connecting for Life: Ireland’s National Strategy to Reduce Suicide 2015 - 2024. While challenges and issues have been identified in the community healthcare organisation, CHO, reports, is important to note that across each CHO, the hard work and dedication of the many staff working in the front-line service are acknowledged and recognised by the Mental Health Commission.

Three recommendations sit with the Department of Health, with a further two recommendations requiring departmental review and input. In relation to the recommendation requesting that there be a national clinical programme and clinical lead for the mental health of asylum seekers, refugees and migrants, I am not in a position to support this recommendation. It is important that appropriate supports and expertise are available throughout our mental health service to anyone who requires them. I am not in favour of a segregated approach.

In relation to the immediate and independent regulation of CAMHS by the Mental Health Commission, a key element of the mental health Bill will be the expansion of the commission’s regulatory remit to include community residences and services, including CAMHS services. There is a clear process in place for the development of the mental health Bill and its introduction in the Oireachtas as a priority. It is currently receiving priority drafting for the third time and four drafters are working on it. I will elaborate in my next contribution.

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