HSE figures show 118 children in Donegal are on mental health waiting lists

There are 118 children in Donegal waiting on mental health waiting lists.

Donegal TD and Sinn Féin general election candidate Pearse Doherty revealed the figures after data was released to him by the HSE.

“The number of children on Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services waiting lists in Donegal is 118,” Teachta Doherty said. “That’s the number of children who have been waiting for assessment by mental health professionals from between three months and 12 months.

“Despite all of the promises from government parties nothing has improved in the past two years despite claims from Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael’s that progress was being made. In fact, waiting lists for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services are up by 80% since this Government took office in 2020.

“It is simply not acceptable that government parties have continued to let these children down at such an important time in their lives. I have also been told by professionals of just how bad the situation is, just how badly government have let down children in the county and how important it is to have quick intervention when children present with mental health problems.

“That is clearly not happening in Donegal and untold long-term damage is being done to children as a result, as 75% of mental health conditions are established by the age of 25.

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“Sinn Féin in government would reform how we treat children with mental health problems. We would introduce a new Child and Youth Mental Health Service to address the crisis in youth mental health in the county and provide integrated early intervention services for children and young people to the age of 25.”