Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise an issue of which you are probably very much aware, a Chathaoirligh, which is the child and adolescent mental health services, CAMHS, in the Cork-Kerry region. Unfortunately, more than 600 children are waiting for more than a year for an assessment by that service. Nearly 1,000 people are on a waiting list in the region. The Cork-Kerry region is totally out of synch with the rest of Ireland when it comes to CAMHS provision. Currently, some 40% of the waiting list nationally is in the Cork-Kerry region. There is a frightening lack of services for young people there and I am deeply concerned about it.I am very much aware that this is a staffing issue. The vacancy issues in the service are quite shocking, according to the HSE. It is appropriate, now more than ever, that we have a significant debate with the Minister of State on this issue of how we can attract staff into the service and retain them, and, more important, on her long-term plan, particularly to deal with the Cork–Kerry region. That this region accounts for 40% of the waiting list of the entire country is frightening. I realise there have been significant issues on the Kerry side regarding child and adult mental health services over the past few years. The interactions I have had with young people in the past three or four weeks have frightened me. We need to do something urgently because I am fearful of the consequences of the lack of services on the ground.

Through the Leader's good offices, she might organise statements in this House with the Minister of State, Deputy Butler, on this issue so we can try to find a solution for children who want access to services. A young girl, a 16-year-old, talked to me about this matter yesterday. She said she has been on a waiting list for bereavement services for nine months but has no appointment yet. Hers was a really powerful contribution. Usually, the parent is the advocate but now there are kids talking about the lack of services. If the Leader could find space for debate, it would be appropriate.