Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 May 2024
628. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on the funding and implementation of the Understanding and Managing Adult ADHD programme for 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21712/24]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, 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.
Children can access ADHD assessments through the National Educational Psychological Service. In addition to this, as per the CAMHS Operational Guidelines, CAMHS take referrals for children and adolescents up to age 18 with moderate to severe ADHD.
I am aware that prior to the inception of the National Clinical Programme 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 ADHD is delivered as part of the HSE’s mental health service provision to ensure an integrated, person-centred response to adults with ADHD. The programme includes both assessment and treatment of the disorder and works collaboratively with voluntary agencies. It envisages a national service of ADHD teams, with each Team comprised of Consultant Psychiatrist, Senior Psychologist, Senior Occupational Therapist, Clinical Nurse Specialist Mental Health, and an administrator.
Enhancement of specialist mental health services such as ADHD is a key priority for myself as Minister, the Government as a whole, and the HSE. Since 2021, over €3 million has been made available for funding ADHD posts from Programme for Government funding. This has enabled the set-up of 5 ADHD Teams with recruitment of over 25 posts, and two more teams are currently in development with posts funded for them. It is planned to announce the roll out of more teams in due course. It has been my stated intention over recent times to continue to develop services for people with ADHD, by reaching the planned 12 specialist teams as soon as possible.
In addition, as part of the National Clinical Programme funding of €150,000 was allocated to facilitate a collaboration with ADHD Ireland and the UCD School of Psychology to develop an ADHD app and the UMAAP Programme (Understanding and Managing Adult ADHD Programme). Both the ADHD App and the UMAAP Programme have proven to be two very positive resources for people with ADHD. The UMAAP Programme is delivered as a 5-week workshop, and its aim is to provide education and tools for adults on how to manage ADHD.
I am pleased to confirm that ADHD Ireland have been provided with recurring funding for the provision of the UMAAP Programme in 2024 and beyond. In this context, I launched in April last the UMAAP Programme, in conjunction with ADHD Ireland.
As part of the additional €10 million I secured for mental health services in 2024, a number of new posts will be directed to enhance the HSE clinical programmes. This includes posts to support ADHD. Details in relation to the significant €10 million provision are currently being finalised with the HSE.
