Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

At this stage, many of us feel like we could write a book, and, unfortunately, not a positive one, on CAMHS. I refer to the battle that parents face trying to find the appropriate service, the paperwork involved in filling in the forms when people are already experiencing a difficult and stressful time in their lives, and then being told this is not the appropriate service but not necessarily being told what is the appropriate service and where to go to access that.

I also want to raise the issue of dual diagnosis and how people get constantly sent around the houses in that regard. I do not see what is so difficult to understand. Just because somebody might have a diagnosis of autism or an additional need, it does not mean that he or she does not also have an issue or a difficulty in respect of his or her mental health. It seems to be a pass-the-buck exercise. I know of various situations where children have been left waiting in emergency rooms where they wait for CAMHS to come and visit to see what the appropriate method will be or what is the appropriate path for this child. It is totally and utterly unsuitable.

I want to raise an issue that came to my attention only today about a lady who has a child with an additional need that they suspect is ADHD. Briefly, I was told that only a child psychiatrist can formally assess a child with ADHD. Only a child psychiatrist can prescribe a child with medication. The only way to access a child psychiatrist is through CAMHS. This lady's GP, in County Kilkenny, has referred them to CAMHS and received a letter back advising that CAMHS is not accepting referrals at present. I do not know how that is the situation. This person is based in Thomastown. I will take the opportunity afterwards to follow this up directly with the Minister of State-----

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