Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation
Dail Éireann — 2026-03-26
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Simon Harris (FG), Wicklow

I thank Deputy Michael Collins for raising this important issue, which I know he regularly raises. I will specifically speak to the Minister of State, Deputy Butler, about the issues in west Cork and what further actions can be taken there on the issues the Deputy raised. Evidence shows that around 2% of children and young people should require the support of CAMHS but referrals are continuing to increase every year for the service. Referrals to CAMHS increased from 17,436 children in 2020 to over 29,000 in 2025. It is an increase of almost 70% in referrals in six years. That is an insight into the level of pressure and challenge that exists as well.
We have seen CAMHS very significantly increase its acceptance of referrals. It accepted about 16,600 referrals last year, which was 14% more than the previous year. There are now 81 community teams which delivered over 231,000 appointments last year. There has been an increase in funding as well. There was €181 million allocated last year and a further €10 million has been allocated this year, leading to a ring-fenced budget of €190 million.
I know there are real challenges. Sometimes, those challenges are on recruitment. On foot of the Deputy raising it here today, I will specifically ask the Minister of State, Deputy Butler, who I know is very passionate about this area, to engage directly with the Deputy too.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-03-26/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:47+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-03-26