Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 17 Nov 1998

Vol. 496 No. 6

Written Answers - Psychiatric Services.

Michael Noonan

Question:

311 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the provision of an attention deficit disorder unit in the Mid-Western Health Board region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23557/98]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

Attention deficit disorder, ADD, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, ADHD, come within the remit of the child and adolescent psychiatric services. Each of the health boards now has a dedicated child and adolescent psychiatric service headed by a consultant child psychiatrist.

A review of child and adolescent psychiatric services is currently being undertaken by my Department. The special needs of children with conditions such as attention deficit disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are being examined as part of this review.

I am considering the further development of child and adolescent services in 1999 and I hope to be in a position to further enhance child and adolescent psychiatric services in the Mid-Western Health Board area in 1999 with the intention of impacting positively on the development of attention deficit disorder services in the region.