Mental health failings ‘are abuse’

Health bosses have been accused of “abusing” children with mental health issues by neglecting their needs.

Senator Joan Freeman made the accusation at the publication of an excoriating report on mental health care by the Oireachtas committee she chairs.

“I want to say on behalf of the Government I am so sorry to those parents and, in particular, to the children who are actually receiving abuse. Abuse comes in many forms. Neglect is one of them,” she said.