Mark Ward TD, has said that it is not too late to deliver quality care in child and youth mental health services. Deputy Ward was speaking after leaders’ questions where Paschal Donohue said that Government will kick legislation that would regulate CAMHS down the road.
Teachta Ward said “Sinn Féin are bringing forward much needed legislation that would regulate CAMHS under the Mental Health Act. “When this was raised at leaders’ questions today Paschal Donohue said that Government will be bringing a timed amendment. “This will kick this important legislation down the road.
“Our children and their families cannot wait any longer for this intervention. “This Bill is the first step in answering the many reports in CAMHS and implementing the necessary changes to deliver quality care for our young people. “There is a lot more that needs to be done to improve youth mental health. “The longer this Government is in place, the worse things get.
“There is still time for the Government to make the right decision and pass this legislation this week so that we can start to address the issues in CAMHS. “If this Bill is kicked down the road, then CAMHS will unlikely be regulated in the lifetime of this Government. That is yet another broken promise. “I am calling on Government TDs to do the right thing and regulate CAMHS.”
