Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 April 2025
760. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the reason there are no publicly funded routes to access diagnostic services in the southeast for autistic and ADHD adults, especially as public diagnostic services are seen elsewhere in the country, and private diagnosis can cost thousands of euro; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15373/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware the Deputy may have received a response directly from the HSE on this issue. However as Minister I would like to provide more context on the work I am doing and my Department to deliver quality mental health services for adults with ADHD.
As the Deputy is aware, Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has long been recognised as one of the most common psychiatric disorders in children and it is now known to persist into adulthood. Core symptoms include inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. It can cause many issues in areas such as personal and social relations, education and occupation, managing money and organising life in general, there is also an increased risk of having other mental health difficulties with it such as anxiety and depression.
Prior to the inception of the National Clinical Programme (NCP) for Adults with ADHD which I launched in 2021, there were no specific ADHD public services available for adults in Ireland.
The National Clinical Programme for Adult ADHD is now being implemented across the country by multidisciplinary teams on a phased basis. We have five of the teams fully operational, two more in development, and I secured the funding for the remaining four teams in Budget 2025 which will complete the number required under the model of care.
In addition, last year I also secured recurring funding for the Understanding and Managing Adult ADHD Programme (UMAAP), a 6-week programme run by ADHD Ireland which has proven highly beneficial and effective for adults who have completed it. As Minister, I worked closely with ADHD Ireland for the past 5 years and will continue to do so.
Rollout of ADHD Services in the South East
As your query relates to a service matter, the HSE was contacted for an update. The HSE advised the following was the position.
The HSE outlined that in Budget 2025, HSE Mental Health Services received national funding approval to develop an Adult ADHD Team based in Waterford City to serve the IHA Waterford Wexford and IHA Carlow Kilkenny and South Tipperary areas. This funding will allow for the recruitment of a Consultant with administrative support, a Psychologist, an Occupational Therapist and a Clinical Nurse Specialist. Recruitment of these posts is being prioritised with a view (subject to successful recruitment) to having in place in Quarter 3 2025.
Response from HSE Services Disability Services on the Rollout of Autism Services in the South East
In relation to the aspect of your query relating to autism services, it is important to clarify as stated previously that responsibility for the provision of autism services is under the Department of Children, Equality Disability, Integration and Youth. Any issues or further queries in relation to the following information on the rollout of autism services can be followed up directly with that Department who will be able to provide further detailed information on this issue.
Accordingly the HSE Disability Services were contacted for the purpose of responding to your representation and the HSE provided the following update.
The HSE outline that the pathway for access to services and assessment of autism for children is through the National Access Policy by referral to either Children’s Disability Network Teams (CDNTs) or referral to Primary Care Therapy Assessment Team (PCCAT).
The focus for Adult Disability Services is to provide support for adults who have transitioned from Children’s Disability Services or provision of services for adults that have received a diagnosis of a disability.
The HSE state under the Disability Act 2005 any person born after 1st June 2002 may apply under Assessment of Need for an assessment of their needs.
Finally as Minister, I am committed to ensuring that mental health services continue to evolve in order to meet the needs of people served by them.
