Concern over order on youth mental help

DOCTORS in border counties have been instructed not to refer children or teenagers for psychiatric help except in emergencies because the local services cannot cope.

The emergency-only order, which affects child and adolescent psychiatry services in Cavan and Monaghan, was issued to family doctors in the region on Monday and applies initially for the next four months.

Sinn Féin TD for the area Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin attempted to raise the issue in the Dáil yesterday but was ruled out of order. He later told a special Oireachtas health and children committee meeting on suicide that the service was running on less than a third the recommended level of staff.