Longford Westmeath TD says CAMHS waiting lists 'continue to grow under government watch'
The number of kids and young people waiting for a CAMHS appointment increased by 659, rising from 4,200 to 4,859 or 15% by the end of May 2026.
A Longford-Westmeath TD has called for urgent Government intervention after new figures revealed that 4,859 children and young people are currently waiting to be seen by Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).
Sinn Féin's Sorca Clarke said, “Our child and youth mental health services remain under severe pressure.
"Early intervention is the single most effective way to prevent lifelong mental ill-health, yet too many children and young people continue to face delays in accessing the support they need.
“Since this Government took office in 2025, the number of children and young people waiting for a CAMHS appointment has increased by 659, rising from 4,200 to 4,859 by the end of May 2026, an increase of 15.7%, with 635 children and young people waiting over a year for a first-time appointment."
Deputy Clarke said instead of reducing waiting lists, the Government has allowed the number of children waiting for vital mental health support to continue to increase.
“Around 75% of all mental health difficulties emerge before the age of 25, making timely intervention critical.
“The continued growth in CAMHS waiting lists is a clear indication that Government commitments to improve access to mental health services are not being matched by delivery.
“Children and young people deserve accessible and high-quality care, regardless of where they live."
Deputy Clarke said Sinn Féin believes that mental health must be treated with the same urgency as physical health.
"That means investing in community-based early intervention services, recruiting and retaining the multidisciplinary staff needed across CAMHS, and ensuring that every child can access assessment and treatment within clinically appropriate timeframes.
“Children and families cannot continue to pay the price for Government failure.”