A local TD has called on the government to address the availability of child mental health services in Roscommon.
The issue was raised during Opposition Leaders' questions to the Tánaiste, Micheál Martin.
Independent TD for Roscommon-Galway, Michael Fitzmaurice, explained that he has received phone calls from distressed parents who say they can't access the services they need for their child in the region.
He says that if the HSE cannot provide a service in the area, parents should be provided with an option to travel to somewhere where their child can access it.
"I've had parents crying on phones, desperate to get services that they are not getting in the Roscommon area. It appears to be in total chaos and we are constantly in staff shortages, retention of staff and will you look at those cases? will you talk to your minister beside you, and will you make sure that the children in County Roscommon is treated the same as any other children right around his country."
The Tanáiste responded by saying that engagement with the Minister for Health on private healthcare funding may provide a solution.
"There is funding within that envelope for access to private care in the context of long waiting lists in terms of access to therapy services, So and that was provided for, and maybe the minister can engage with you in terms of how best to utilise that."
