Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

This is the most serious issue we have to deal with on the island of Ireland. CAMHS has a waiting list of over two years for appointments. As therapeutic supports are extremely hard to get, many doctors feel the only option available to them is to prescribe antidepressants. That is not fair on young children. Imagine a little girl of 13 years who is harming herself and whose parents have to take it in turn to stay with her 24 hours a day, seven days a week. CAMHS cannot get her into any place or get residential care where she would be minded properly. The family need a chance. There are several cases like this. The people are driven into the ground with pressure and worry, and there are so many of them.

I do not know how much time I have, but I have to talk about suicide. It is a desperate thing that is happening. Many families are finished and hurt forever by the loss of a family member. Many people know their brother, sister, father or mother has a problem and they cannot get them in anywhere.

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