Joint Committee on Children, Equality, Disability, Integration & Youth meets for engagement regarding access to CAMHS for individuals with dual diagnosis

The meeting in 2 sessions will hear from:

Session One: Engagement regarding access to CAMHS for individuals with dual diagnosis

• Representatives from Substance Abuse Service Specific to Youth,
• Dr Gerry McCarney, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist,
• Ms Maeve Geraghty, Counsellor.
• Representatives from Mental Health Reform,
• Ms Ber Grogan, Policy and Research Manager,
• Ms Neil Moore Ryan, Grassroots Forum Member.

Session Two: Engagement regarding access to CAMHS for individuals with dual diagnosis (resumed)

• Representatives from Health Service Executive,
• Mr Bernard Gloster, Chief Executive Officer, Health Service Executive,
• Dr Amanda Burke, National Clinical Lead CAMHS,
• Ms Mellany McLoone, Chief Officer, CHO – Dublin North City & County.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Kathleen Funchion TD said “Tomorrow gives us the opportunity to meet with key stakeholders who work in the sector and are tasked with providing Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services in Ireland. There has been significant increased demand for mental health and disability services in the past few years. This increase in demand has led to challenges for access and waiting times.

Our Committee will continue to highlight the challenges facing the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services Sector. We will look for more information on how the HSE has prioritised targeted service improvements to streamline referrals and ensure patients get the right service at the right time.

The Committee is aware of the need to see implementation across a range of actions including staffing and resources, financial supports, inclusion and consultation when designing the services which affect this important Sector and we will look to the stakeholders attending tomorrow to talk us through how they feel their services, plans and actions can be implemented to achieve the common goal of providing these vital services for our young people.”

Read more on the work carried out by The Joint Committee on Children, Disability, Equality, Integration & Youth

You can view the meeting in Committee Room 4 on Oireachtas TV