Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I will not use all my time as I am conscious that others have things to say. I thank the committee and particularly my colleagues, Senators Freeman and Coghlan, for their work. Apart from the report itself, I found two things most important. I attended on the day of the committee's public hearings and heard the service users and those who wanted to use the service and their families. It was harrowing and the best work ever done in the Oireachtas, as far as I was concerned, because we got to meet them and we heard their personal experiences. One after the other spoke of needing and wanting to access services.

Then on the other side, we heard from the service providers, the people on the ground who also shared a frustration. When it came to the policy makers, the HSE and people within the Department we saw the worst performance. It seemed to me that there was a big issue there, and I found it hard to believe that the gap was so wide.

Each day in this Seanad, I say that this Government, however long it lasts, will be judged on its performance on health, in its broadest sense, and housing and homelessness. Those are the two things that resonate with people across the country. We are here to speak on health and mental health as part of the bigger health agenda.

I refer to the Minister of State's speech to the Seanad this afternoon when he spoke of prevention and early intervention. He will recall that on a previous occasion here, I told him how we need to provide early intervention. I was encouraged by what he said then. I know the issues, including financial issues, that the Minister of State faces but this is not about him or me, but people who need services. It is a question of whether the Government is up to it and prepared to fund and resource the appropriate measures needed, particularly regarding CAMHS.

I would like the Minister of State to respond to the points I will make here, if not today then he can circulate a response to Members, this week if possible. Earlier, the Minister said the following:

A key approach to developing early intervention services for young people at primary care level was the decision by Government to increase access to counselling services in primary care with the recent appointment by the HSE of around 114 assistant psychologists and 20 psychologists. It is anticipated these posts will deal with the less complex child and adolescent cases thereby reducing the burden on CAMHS.

Will the Minister of State enlighten Members about these appointments and whether they have all been filled? That is important. People are waiting for CAMHS services. How will the Minister of State reduce this vast list of people who need support?