Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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10. To ask the Minister for Health the criteria in place for the provision of child and adolescent mental health services to the relevant age cohort; the reason certain persons with a very clear and obvious need are not always able to access such services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27585/15]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I understand the Deputy's question relates to a specific case and that the child in question is being cared for by the appropriate services.

The HSE Mental Health Division supports timely access to appropriate services to address the mental health needs of all children from a preventative care model and early intervention perspective. It should be noted, however, that mental health problems are not the sole remit of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). Depending on the nature and severity the health need, services may be provided by the Childcare services, at Primary Care or at CAMHS level.

The HSE recently adopted a Standard Operating Procedure for both in-patient and community based CAMHS. This should help to ensure that services are delivered consistently and transparently. Most importantly, it will help to ensure that the care and treatment offered reflects the identified clinical needs of the child.