Vol. 265 No. 2
asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that there is a serious shortage of child psychiatrists in Ireland and that, in consequence, the child psychiatric services cannot expand despite the urgent and growing need for those services; and the proposals, if any, his Department have for dealing with this matter.
22.
asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the growing and urgent need for the expansion of the child guidances service which is practically non-existent outside the Dublin area; and what proposals his Department have to meet this need.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 21 and 22 together.
I am aware of the need to expand psychiatric services for Children, including child guidance. The Deputy will be aware that there is a world shortage of child psychiatrists and this is a major difficulty. Posts advertised have failed to attract suitabled candidates, but efforts to improve the position continue to be made. The creation of additional posts by the Midland and Western Health Boards has recently been approved and appropriate steps leading to the filling of the posts are being taken.
