Government fail adults with ADHD, says Ward

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Mental Health, Mark Ward TD, has criticised the Government’s failure in ADHD care for adults.

Deputy Ward was speaking following a parliamentary question response which highlighted the lack of additional funding allocated to the National Clinical Programme for ADHD in Adults.

Additional funding was sought in 2023 and 2024 but this was not granted by Government.

Waiting times for these services can be as long as 4 years.

“The Government has neglected the National Clinical Programmes in Mental Health for two years in a row,” Deputy ward said.

“No additional funding was given to these programmes in budget 2023 and 2024.

“ADHD in adults is one of the four National Clinical programmes for mental health.

“By not giving additional funding, this vital programme has not been able to deliver the 4 additional teams needed to deliver ADHD services adequately across the state.

“The parliamentary question that I received stated that funding was sought for both years but not granted.

“Due to the demand on the services, 2 additional posts per site in operation were also sought but this was also not granted.

“In a separate parliament question I received, clinical capacity in across the teams in operation ranged from 40% to 75%.

“This response highlights some of the negative impacts of undiagnosed and untreated ADHD.

“These include increased rates of suicide, repeated self-harm, road traffic accidents together with difficulties in both finding and keeping a job, succeeding in 3rd

level education, managing money and personal and social relationships.

“Last week I highlighted the lack of funding for ADHD Ireland’s UMAAP, a programme that helps to understand and manage ADHD for adults.

“This shamefully came following no request of a pre-budget submission by the HSE.

“In a separate parliamentary question response, I received waiting times for these services can be as long as 4 years.

“When the consequences of lack of diagnosis and treatment are this serious, Government cannot continue to withhold funding for these vital services.

“A Sinn Féin Government would prioritise ADHD funding. This current Government is failing and putting people at risk of harm.”