21. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health his views on the increase in CAMHS waiting lists since June 2020; the measure that are being taken to reduce CAMHS waiting lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18208/23] 

Mary Butler, Minister of State at the Department of Health - This Government remains committed to developing all aspects of mental health services nationally, including CAMHS. Over €1.2 billion has been provided this year for mental health, and dedicated funding for CAMHS is administered as part of the overall HSE Mental Health allocation each year. A central priority is to improve access to CAMHS and to reduce waiting times. 

CAMHS teams receive and triage nearly 21,000 referrals annually and deliver 225,000 appointments for children and young people requiring assessment and intervention each year. Demand for CAMHS services have increased nationally over recent years. Between 2020 and 2021, CAMH services experienced a 33% increase in demand, while simultaneously seeing 21% more cases during the same period. 

CAMHS waiting times are also impacted by a variety of factors, including but not limited to staff recruitment and retention challenges, and the capacity in other parts of the system to provide more appropriate services. 

The waiting list to access CAMH services has increased from 2,755 in December 2020 to 4,434 at end February 2023. While these waiting times are concerning, it should be noted that access to CAMHS is based on prioritised clinical assessment, and in 2022 almost 93% of urgent referrals were responded to within three days. 

All aspects of CAMHS are being developed under the HSE Service Plan 2023. In addition, a waiting list initiative is also underway through the Waiting List Action Plan, specifically targeting areas where children and young people are experiencing long waiting times.