The stats were released in response to a query from Social Democrats TD for Kildare North, Aidan Farrelly.
Over 200 children and young people in Kildare are currently awaiting assessment for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), according to figures released by the HSE.
The stats were released in response to a query from Social Democrats TD for Kildare North, Aidan Farrelly.
The data, as of December 2024, reveals the following breakdown of those awaiting assessment:
Kildare CAMHS ID: 3
Kildare East: 85
Kildare North: 20
Kildare South: 31
Kildare West: 34
South Kildare/West Wicklow: 30
Total: 203
Deputy Farrelly expressed concern over the waiting list, emphasising the need for more transparency regarding the length of time individuals spend awaiting assessment and the subsequent wait for service provision.
He added: “I am struck by the considerable number of children and young people referred for assessment to CAMHS that are currently awaiting assessment, and a natural follow up question to this is just how long they have been on this list,” said Deputy Farrelly.
He said the "crucial thing to note" is that assessment does not equate to service.
"I would like more detail on the process in terms of how long children and young people are on this waiting list. In addition, if a decision is made whereby they are offered a service with CAMHS, how long will they wait between assessment and service provision?"