Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 January 2023
667. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health his views on concerns and proposals for a coordinated response from an organisation (details supplied) in respect of the CAMHS report released this week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4190/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am familiar with the correspondence in question referred to by the Deputy, as I separately received this in the context of the recent publication by the Mental Health Commission of its Interim Report on the HSE CAMHS service.
As I have indicated on several occasions over recent times, the priority for me, and the Government, is to continue to improve all aspects of Mental Health in line with our Programme for Government commitments. This includes the update of our mental health legislation, implementation of the policies of Sharing the Vision and Connecting for Life, and progressing the mental health elements of the forthcoming HSE Service Plan 2023, arising from the record funding provision of over €1.2 billion arising from the last Budget.
In particular, I and my Department have taken full and proper consideration of all issues of concern raised in the Mental Health Commission's (MHC) Interim Report, and the subsequent responses of organisations, to bring about improvement in CAMHS. We await the completion by the MHC of its Final Report, along with other reviews and audits of CAMHS now underway stemming from the Maskey Report. In the meantime a proactive approach is being taken by the HSE and my Department to enhance CAMHS care, particularly from a Safety and Quality point of view.
The Deputy, and the organisation involved in this instance, can rest assured that I will fully bear in mind the matters raised in this correspondence and that I will continue to liaise as appropriate with them.
