Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 May 2024
625. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Health the reason for the lack of services in the south east, particularly for adults trying to access a diagnosis of adult ADHD and required services. [22856/24]
View answerADHD 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 HSE Child and Adolescent Mental Health Servcie (CAMHS) Operational Guidelines, CAMHS take referrals for children and adolescents up to age 18 with moderate to severe ADHD.
Prior to the inception of the National Clinical Programme (NCP) for Adults with ADHD, which I launched in 2021, there were no specific ADHD public services available for Adults in Ireland.
The NCP for ADHD is delivered as part of the HSE mental health service 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 me and for the HSE. The National Clinical Programme for ADHD is being implemented across the country by multidisciplinary teams on a phased basis. Since 2021, over €3 million has been made available for funding ADHD posts. This has enabled the set-up of 5 fully operational ADHD Teams with recruitment of over 25 posts, and two more teams are currently in development with posts funded for them. I am aware that it is important to have a geographical focus on the rollout of this Programme, and it is planned to announce the roll out of further Teams in due course. With this objective in mind, it is my stated intention to continue to deliver expanded services for people with ADHD, through reaching the planned 12 specialist teams as soon as possible.
In addition, as part of the National Clinical Programme,funding 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 are two very positive resources for people with ADHD. The UMAAP Programme is delivered as a 6-week workshop, and its aim is to provide education and tools for adults on how to manage ADHD. This Programme can be completed online, while the ADHD App is a useful source of information on ADHD.
I am pleased to confirm that ADHD Ireland will be provided with funding for the UMAAP Programme in 2024 and beyond. I recently launched the UMAAP Programme in April with ADHD Ireland.
It should also be noted that, as part of the additional €10 million funding that I secured for mental health services in 2024, a number of new posts will be available to support the clinical programmes. This includes posts to support ADHD, and details are currently being finalised.
I want to reassure the Deputy that I remain firmly committed to enhancing specialist services for ADHD, including improved access and shorter waiting lists. I have referred the Deputy's question to the HSE for direct reply in relation to the provision of services in the South East.
