James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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30. To ask the Minister for Health when he expects the practice of admitting children and young persons to adult mental health units to cease. [6400/18]

Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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The reduction in the numbers of children admitted to adult psychiatric units has been a priority for the HSE Mental Health Services over recent years.

The HSE has to allow for some operational flexibility surrounding emergency placements in Adult Units, particularly where very short-term placements take place. Full account is taken of all relevant factors such as the preferences of all those involved, and geographical factors relating to access or visiting. In this context, the HSE continues to closely monitor on a weekly basis all child admissions to adult units, with a view to minimising such admissions as much as possible.

I, and my Department officials, regularly meet with the HSE to review various mental health issues including the enhancement of age appropriate care for young people nationally, as additional mental health resources comes onstream. Relevant data is regularly published on the HSE website, and this is subject to monitoring by the Department of Health.

Bearing in mind all the circumstances, I am satisfied that, where children have to be placed short-term in adult mental health units, the Executive makes any special arrangements necessary, such as one-to-one care, to protect and monitor these young people. The Mental Health Commission is also notified of such admissions.

The Deputy will be aware that I am currently considering proposed legislative amendments in relation to the issue raised by him, and I will continue to work closely with all concerned on these proposals.