Cork and Kerry mental health services have fewer staff now than during staffing crisis two years ago

Mental health minister Mary Butler said HSE South West and Dublin North East together carry 50% of Camhs national waiting lists. 

The majority of child mental health teams in Cork and Kerry have fewer staff now than in 2023 when the Mental Health Commission said children were at risk due to vacancies.

One team is down more than 50% despite rising patient numbers. Across the two counties, 407 children have waited longer than a year. A new ADHD service has already seen far more children than expected but still has a waiting list.