I am familiar with the report referred to by the Deputy, as this was recently received by my Office in the Department of Health. The report details, from the point of view and experiences of parents who participated, various issues in relation to the HSE Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS). These include, for example, Access, In-Patient Care, Out-Patient Services, and suggested improvements for the future.
All of the issues raised in this report reflect the strong commitment of the Government, and the HSE, to develop all aspects of CAMHS. Significant progress has been made in this area over recent years, underpinned by additional funding given since 2012 to develop mental health services. Notwithstanding acknowledged difficulties in recruiting and retaining specialist CAMHS staff, which the HSE is addressing on an on-going basis, it is my intention that further service improvements be undertaken across CAMHS, including better access and reducing Waiting Lists. I will continue to closely monitor progress on the agreed priorities for CAMHS as set out in the HSE Service Plan for this year.
