'Element of postcode politics'

Waiting times for the Jigsaw youth mental health service in Cork have been described as “worrying”.

Sinn Féin TD Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire made the comment on Tuesday adding that figures released to his party show an 11 week wait for the service.

The Cork South Central TD explained: “Figures released to Sinn Féin through a Parliamentary Question have shown there are significant wait times for counselling appointments with Jigsaw, the mental health service which provides vital supports to young people across Cork.

“Demand for the Jigsaw service in Cork continues to grow, with young people currently waiting up to 11 weeks to get an appointment.

“Every expert in child and adolescent mental health will tell you that early intervention is absolutely vital to avoid worsening problems in the future. Yet, these figures reveal that if a child or young person seeks out care, they are in all likelihood going to be faced with extended waiting periods. This is simply unacceptable, and puts them and their mental health at a very serious risk.”

He added: “Young peoples' mental health has been adversely affected during the pandemic. Loss of schooling, sports, peer supports and even their ability to socialise with friends have impacted on their mental health. Jigsaw have experienced a 42 per cent increase in the demand for their services. This cry for help from our young people cannot fall on deaf ears.”

Deputy Ó Laoghaire continued: “There is also an element of postcode politics, that depending on where you live you may get treated quicker.

“Some areas have a three-week waiting time while others like Cork are waiting nearly four times that at 11 weeks.

“Uniformed mental health treatment is needed so our young people can access the care they need, when they need it and where they need it.

“I have called on the Minister to urgently engage with the service to provide a solution,” he concluded.