Question from Deputy Michael Healy-Rae - PQ 10919-26

To ask the Minister for Health if a psychologist could be granted to the North Kerry mental health services (Minister, many young people in North Kerry have been referred to the North Kerry Mental Health Services for treatment. However, the waiting lists for this service have grown significantly due to the absence of a psychologist for this service, which is causing significant distress amongst patients and families who have been referred to this service. Could you please clarify if a psychologist could be granted for this service, because if this service has to continue without the services of a psychologist to perform psychological assessments this will be detrimental to many young people in the area?); and if she will make a statement on the matter.