Michael Noonan (Limerick East, Fine Gael)
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Question 88: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the average waiting period for children seeking psychiatric assessment by the child and adolescent mental health service in Limerick; the additional facilities she will provide to reduce the waiting time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17729/06]

Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)
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The future direction and delivery of all aspects of our mental health services, including child and adolescent psychiatry, were considered by the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy. The Government has accepted and published the Group's report entitled "A Vision for Change" and €25 million has been provided this year for the further enhancement of mental health services.

The development of child and adolescent psychiatric services has been a priority for my Department in recent years. Since 1997, additional funding of almost €20m has been provided to allow for the appointment of additional consultants in child and adolescent psychiatry, for the enhancement of existing consultant-led multi-disciplinary teams and towards the establishment of further teams. This has resulted in the funding of an extra 23 child and adolescent consultant psychiatrists. Nationally there are now 56 such psychiatrists employed.

With regard to the issue of waiting times for psychological assessment, I am informed that currently the Health Service Executive is conducting a review of services nationally to identify and address gaps in service, where they exist, and to identify opportunities for additional capacity, in line with recommendations in "A Vision for Change".

With regard to the waiting period for children seeking assessment by the child and adolescent mental health service in Limerick, I have requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Health Service Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.