Clarke calls on Government to take action on mental health care access

Sinn Féin TD for Longford-Westmeath Sorca Clarke has called on the Government to take meaningful action on behalf of families trying to access mental health care for loved ones.

“Families are repeatedly handed off from one service to the next, like pass the parcel, while trying to access mental health care for their loved ones.

“This is not only frustrating for families, but is deeply harmful to their children, leaving them in crisis with nowhere to turn," Teachta Clarke said.

The Sinn Féin public representative said a growing number of families are being met with long wait times, often years, with many children falling between the gaps in the meantime.

“Where children are reported to be at imminent risk of harm, the response time is far too slow. There is not near enough staff or resources to respond to demand in a timely manner.

“There is a severe and growing gap in mental health services that demands immediate attention.

“One parent reached out to my office in utter desperation saying that she should not have to fight through bureaucracy, indifference, and repeated discharge orders just to keep her daughter alive.

“I have been told by parents that children are being turned away from mental health services even after presenting with suicidal ideation.

“Families should not be left in a state of constant anxiety, trying to navigate a fractured system with no clear direction or support. There needs to be more accountability across all levels of care.

“It is imperative that government takes meaningful action today before the crisis worsens any further. The future of our children depends on it," Teachta Clarke said.