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

Yesterday, I hosted Families for Reform of CAMHS. What we learned is that, under this Government's watch, CAMHS waiting lists have reached a record high, CAMHS beds have reached a record low, and children with intellectual disabilities and mental health problems are falling through the cracks. Children with dual diagnosis of mental health issues and autism are being passed from pillar to post and children with ADHD are waiting far too long for treatment. Families for Reform of CAMHS informed us that the mental health of 92% of children deteriorates while they are waiting for a referral to be processed and the mental health of 74% of children deteriorates while they are waiting for an appointment. One parent said that fighting for her son to get support has broken them as parents and they cannot even imagine how their son feels.

Despite the Taoiseach's earlier response to Deputy McDonald, there is a recruitment embargo in CAMHS. Such is the concern about this embargo, the Psychiatric Nurses' Association is balloting its members. Will the Government lift this embargo immediately because children just cannot wait any longer?

See this speech in context