‘They should be ashamed’ - Kilkenny TD slams 'scandal' of local CAMHS

The Mental Health Commission’s report ‘is only the tip of the iceberg in terms of the problems’ with CAMHS according to one local TD.

Deputy John McGuinness said that statistics and numbers hide the fact there are vulnerable people at the centre of this scandal’.
“That’s what it is,” he said - “a scandal.”

The Carlow Kilkenny TD said that the report revealed ‘a whole generation of young people are being penalised by shocking, bad management in the HSE’.

“They can have all the reports they like, it only tells part of the story,” said Deputy McGuinness (right). “The real horror is behind that report for families.”

One of Kilkenny's greatest love stories to feature on new TG4 show

Love, History, and Heartache Collide: Scéalta Grá na hÉireann Returns

Families have their lives on hold while waiting for assessments, he said, and they are dealing with issues at home that they are not qualified to deal with.
He said parents and families are ‘deeply traumatised’ by their experiences.

“I have people come to my office traumatised because they can’t get their children, young people and young adults the services for their needs,” he said.

“The government needs to find out where the money is going. Why the professionals are leaving. Shore up the people that are there then launch a campaign to employ large numbers of professionals.”

Kilkenny football club applies for planning permission for new facilities

In the meantime, Deputy McGuinness said the HSE should be using the private sector to provide both assessments and services that are needed.

He said it’s ‘not right’ to say there is no waiting list for assessment in Kilkenny, that he knows people looking to be assessed but can’t get into the service.
“Typical report, it hides the real story.”

Kilkenny musical group to host new festival

Describing the situation as a ‘crisis’ he said “what makes it worse is it’s young people at a critical stage in their lives, not getting the supports the state should be giving them. The state is limiting their potential and adding to the burden of families’ lives. They have to carry it all on their own.

“The older the child gets the more difficult it becomes to care for the child into adulthood. HSE services are not growing with what’s required.
“They should be ashamed of themselves.”