A Waterford TD says too many children continue to be admitted to adult psychiatric wards.

Fianna Fail’s Mary Butler was speaking in the Dáil during a debate on mental health services.

She says if it’s even one child it’s too many.

“They are already vulnerable or scared and it is far from ideal and potentially more damaging to them to be admitted to an adult unit.

“The report states clearly that the first introduction of a child or adolescent to mental healthcare should not be through a service or building that is not specifically equipped to deal with his or her needs.

“Last year, 84 children and teenagers were admitted to adult units.”

Deputy Butler says she has dealt with many cases in Waterford.

“One teenager was in a hospital bed miles from home for months on end waiting for placement.

“Another teenager was admitted to an adult ward and that really proved to be a barrier to his recovery.

“I find that not only are the children and young teenagers affected, but there is a knock-on effect on the family, including the parents, grandparents and siblings.”

She says there’s simply not enough beds for adolescents

“I know the Minister of State has no wish to put a child into an adult facility. He has told me as much and I believe him.

“We need to get the message across to the Department and the HSE loud and clear that we will have zero tolerance when it comes to putting a young child into an adult facility.

“If that is all that comes out of this debate tonight, then it will have been a job well done.”