The state of child mental health services in Ireland is a pressing concern, with a critical shortage of professionals in key roles. At least 30 positions in psychology, social work, and occupational therapy within the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) have been unfilled for over a year, according to new data from the HSE. This figure is likely an underestimation, as the Dublin and Midlands division of the HSE did not provide a breakdown of its historic unfilled positions, citing the need for a manual review.
The situation is particularly dire in South Tipperary, where both community CAMHS teams have been without essential disciplines like psychologists, social workers, and occupational therapists for a staggering 22 months. In Limerick, a post became vacant in May 2023, but it wasn't until October 2025 that the role was escalated to a national panel, a delay of 28 months. This delay highlights the inefficiencies in the recruitment process.
The HSE's pay and numbers strategy has also contributed to the shortage. A senior occupational therapy post in Louth/Meath has been vacant since January 2022 and has yet to receive approval to recruit. This chronic underinvestment and failed workforce planning, as described by Cork East Social Democrats TD Liam Quaide, are sending young people with serious mental health difficulties to teams stripped of essential disciplines.
The impact is particularly severe for those with co-existing intellectual disabilities, a vulnerable group that faces an even more threadbare service. In some areas, the service is non-existent, leaving children and families without the necessary support. This situation is a stark example of the government's approach to essential multidisciplinary care, where rationing leads to dire consequences.
The HSE acknowledges the challenge, citing the specialized nature of the roles and the competitive global market for healthcare professionals. However, they also highlight the investments made by Mental Health Minister Mary Butler in CAMHS (Intellectual Disability) services, emphasizing the phased rollout of teams despite labor force constraints and a challenging international labor market.
The situation in Ireland underscores the broader issue of under-resourcing in child mental health services, a problem that requires urgent attention and a comprehensive strategy to address the shortage of professionals and the inefficiencies in the recruitment process.
