Madam, - Some weeks ago Amnesty International released a report on children's mental health care in Ireland. It raises serious concerns - many of which are shared by the Irish College of Psychiatrists.
Our efforts to draw the attention of the Government and the Department of Health to the mental health care needs of children have had little success over the years. Only a fraction of children with mental health problems receive the necessary intervention - and this problem springs directly from the lack of appropriate services.
At any time up to 2,000 children are on waiting lists for psychiatric assessment - with some of those waiting up to a year for assistance.We estimate that an additional 75 psychiatrists are required to provide adequate services for children under 16. Services for young people between 16 and 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 problems at an early stage, the chances of timely recovery and the likelihood of fewer difficulties in adulthood are both greatly enhanced. - Yours, etc.,
Dr KATE GANTER, Chairperson, Irish College of Psychiatrists, St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2.