Declan Breathnach (Louth, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

All Members are anticipating the budget next week. I hope the Ministers for Finance and Health will be cognisant that next week is mental health week and next Thursday is World Mental Health Day. Page 5 of the programme for Government includes a commitment on mental health which recognises that early intervention is crucial. All Members are aware that 2,440 children and young people are on the CAMHS waiting list and more than 7,000 young children are awaiting primary care psychology services. The number of children being treated in adult institutions continues to rise. It stood at 68 in 2016, reached 82 in 2018 and stands at more than 40 so far this year. What are the Ministers for Finance and Health going to do to address this shameful situation?

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