Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Staying on the issue of health, since the Government was formed, we have seen a doubling of child and adolescent mental health services waiting lists. In 2020, 1,115 children were waiting for first-time appointments. This year, that figure has risen to 4,421. In the area where I live, CHO 9, children are waiting more than 200 days for treatment for suicidal ideation and more than 100 days for treatment for eating disorders. Throughout the State, young people are being let down. Services are unable to recruit staff, funding is now lower than it was in 2019, and the number of beds needed for children in mental health crisis is half what it should be.

The first recommendation of the Mental Health Commission is to regulate CAMHS under the Mental Health Act. This would ensure that recommendations for governance and clinical reforms made by the commission can be implemented by the State and the HSE. My colleague, Deputy Ward, has brought forward legislation. It has passed First Stage. Will the Government embrace and support that legislation?

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