The HSE must act immediately to address what has been described as the shocking state of the country's mental health service.
An independent review published yesterday concluded the state cannot currently provide an assurance to parents or guardians that their children have access to a safe, effective and evidence-based service.
CEO of the The Children's charity Barnardos Suzanne Connolly says the HSE needs to take action now to ensure children who are waiting for assessment are seen:
"The HSE has been suffering from a challenge in recruiting and retaining staff, both in terms of psychologists, social workers, psychiatrists, and that has led to some of the difficulties. Now what needs to happen is the HSE needs needs to consider what it can do in the immediate term to address the needs of children who have been waiting a long time for assessment".
