HHC has been linked to psychosis and other mental health problems in children. One family who sought urgent help from the HSE’s child and adolescent mental health services (Camhs) for their daughter were refused access and referred instead to addiction services...

The HSE said that it cannot comment on individual cases. In a statement, it said that while substance-use “does not in itself exclude a young person from accessing Camhs”, when a referral includes “both mental health difficulties and substance-use concerns” the child can be referred to primary care or addiction supports instead of to Camhs...