Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Ward very much for his question. To reiterate what the Taoiseach said already, while there is a moratorium in some areas, as the Deputy is aware, there is no moratorium on consultants or newly recruited trained nurses. This year, 130 whole-time equivalents will be recruited into mental health services, with 80% of them predominantly going into CAMHS. There is no moratorium in this regard. This is recurring funding, which means it will be in place again next year.

I met with the HSE and Department two weeks ago. Recruitment is under way and we will continue to work to do everything we can to strengthen all 76 CAMHS teams throughout the country. However, it is fair to point out as well that last year CAMHS teams allocated 225,000 appointments to young people the length and breadth of the country. I understand there are some difficulties with children who have dual diagnosis but we are working hard to try to make sure the pathways are clearer.

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