TDs want Dáil suspension to address crisis in mental health

Deputy Michael Lowry and the members of the Independent Regional Group have submitted a request to the Ceann Comhairle to suspend Dáil Éireann on Tuesday. They have taken this move to ensure that the Minister for Health addresses Dáil Éireann and outlines the immediate steps to be taken to protect children and to ensure proper access to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services considering the publication of an interim report by the Mental Health Commission into CAMHS services.

The Interim Report, by Dr Finnerty, highlights very serious safety concerns. The report calls for an immediate clinical review of all open cases in all CAMHS teams.

The report goes on to describe a dysfunctional system, a lack of out-of-hours support, long waiting lists, staffing issues, and an inability to provide therapeutic interventions.

Children are not receiving follow-up care and are getting lost in the system.

"In light of these findings, we have submitted a formal request to the Ceann Comhairle asking him to suspend the Dáil so this urgent matter can be discussed on Tuesday’," says Deputy Lowry.

"Our Mental Health Service is in crisis and this is affecting those who are most vulnerable - our children. 138 children in the MidWest region were waiting more than one year for a mental health appointment at the end of November. Overall, 423 minors in Clare, Limerick and North Tipperary were waiting for an initial assessment from the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).

"In 2020, the Government supported the Regional Group Members Mental Health Motion. It called on the Government to protect not only the population's physical health but also its mental health. Since then little has been done to address the issues highlighted regarding Children’s Mental Health Services," adds Deputy Lowry.