06 October 2003

Letter to Irish Times – for publication

Madam

Some weeks ago Amnesty International released a report on Children’s Mental Health Care in Ireland. The report raises many serious concerns around mental health care for children – many of which are shared by the Irish College of Psychiatrists.

Despite the efforts of the Irish College of Psychiatrists to draw the attention of Government and the Department of Health to the mental health care needs of children over the years – we have had little success. Only a fraction of children with mental health problems receive the necessary intervention – and this springs directly from the lack of appropriate services.

At any particular time up to 2000 children are on waiting lists for psychiatric assessment – with some of those waiting up to a year for assistance. In fact these children are not eligible for the waiting list initative or the National Treatment Purchase Fund, yet their needs are as great as anyone with a physical disorder. The Irish College estimates that an additional 75 psychiatrists are required to provide adequate services for children under 16 years of age. Services for young people over the age of 16 and under 18 have yet to be developed – despite urgent needs in this critical age group.

Again we ask the Government to set as a priority the provision of adequate mental health services for our children and young people. If we can tackle the problems at an early stage - timely recovery and the likelihood of fewer difficulties in adulthood are both greatly enhanced.

Yours sincerely

Dr Kate Ganter
Chairperson
Irish College of Psychiatrists