Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Deputy very much for his question. There were 4,047 children on the CAMHS waiting list nationally in September 2025, a decrease of 97 from 4,144. We have seen a reduction of 445 children in the last five months. I have taken to the car and visited 21 CAMHS teams in the last five months to try to get under the bonnet as to why some teams are doing really well and some are not doing as well. In 2025, CAMHS teams received funding of €170 million. An additional €30 million was provided in the last two years and, unfortunately, we only saw the waiting lists going in one direction. However, I am pleased to say that we have seen a reduction of 11% over the last five months and a reduction of 18% for those waiting over 12 months. I have met each regional executive officer, REO, in the six regions and asked them about this. I do not want any child waiting, but I certainly do not want any child waiting over 12 months, so I am on top of that. In relation to a child not being accepted, that is a clinical decision in which I cannot interfere, unfortunately.

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