More than 500 children waiting over a year to be seen by mental health service

The situation has been described as 'unconscionable' with one child in Cork waiting 21 months to be seen.

More than 500 children have been waiting more than a year to be seen by the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (Camhs).

The figure has emerged in the same week in which it was revealed that the percentage of referrals being taken on by Camhs around the country is continuing to fall, slipping below 50% in three health areas.