Primary care psychology waiting lists are now up to a staggering 28,000. The figure for those waiting over a year is up to 16,000. In some parts of Dublin, children are waiting 13 years to be seen. That is not a waiting list; it is a non-existent service. My question is on recruitment. When we raise this issue, the Government throws its hands in the air and says the health service cannot get staff. That is not factually correct. There are applications in the Department of Health from those who have practised and trained in the UK and then moved home to Ireland. They are waiting months for a response from the Department. There are issues with regard to the 60-day training period that those who trained abroad are required to complete here. Will that 60-day period be waived or the practice of the person concerned restricted? We need to ensure that psychologists who want to practise in this country can be allowed to train. There have been reductions in child and adolescent mental health services, CAMHS, and primary care.

Sentiment score: 0.08