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

I want to give the Minister of State some facts. Waiting lists for initial assessments for CAMHS have almost doubled since the Minister of State took the reins in mental health. Hundreds of children have been waiting for more than a year for an appointment with CAMHS. The report also shows issues around monitoring of anti-psychotic medication. In some areas, only 50% of children had appropriate levels of monitoring of their antipsychotic medication. There are no national standards for monitoring this medication.

The report also pointed out the long waiting times between referrals and assessment for high-risk factors, which include deliberate self-harm, suicidal intent, suicidal ideation and eating disorders. Children were waiting for more than 200 days, or more than half a year, after being referred for suicidal ideation. Children were also waiting 100 days for a referral for eating disorders. Children were waiting in some areas for more than 190 days after a referral for deliberate self-harm.

I will ask the Minister again about the 49 recommendations. Does she accept this report in its entirety? Which of the 49 recommendations will she implement?

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