Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator. The matter has the heading of transparency in mental health budget allocations and whether the Minister of State will agree to disclose where resources have been allocated since October 2016. The response in many ways outlines the avenues where the funding was spent. I assure the Senator that with any business I take here on behalf of a Minister or Minister of State, I personally speak to them about the questions raised. It would be wrong to think I do not do so as I convey those issues on a personal level. When I take a Topical Issues matter in the Dáil I always speak to the relevant Minister or Ministers.

I agree with the Senator on a fundamental matter. I welcome the extra funding for CAMHS as, like any other public representative, I hear from many parents with difficulty getting into CAMHS and children's access to services. I have come across a few disturbing cases and I welcome that there is money for that. The Senator mentioned her 95 Project and although I have no knowledge of it, I will enlighten myself about it afterwards. What she said is very true and honest and I will not argue with the Senator. It is unacceptable that children and particularly young adults are housed in an adult ward when they have serious mental issues, including eating disorders. I will bring the Senator's very clear messages to the Minister of State on a personal basis. I will relay to her the Senator's disappointment in the Minister of State not being here and, above all, the fact that the Senator has requested a meeting but it has not come about. I will bring those serious concerns to her.