Organisations such as Matt Talbot Adolescent Services (MTAS), from which Patrick Relihan has resigned, are left to fill gaps in the State’s provision. In a properly-functioning State, all services would be provided by the State. So it was with the Matt Talbot Adolescent Services, set up in Cork over 20 years ago to treat teenagers who have addiction problems. Until this year, the organisation treated more than 200 teenagers and young adults annually for addiction and related problems. A joint statement from the HSE and MTAS at the time noted that “there has been a significant reduction in referrals from the HSE/Cork Kerry Community healthcare to MTAS residential services” over the last five years.

Source: Irish Examiner June 09, 2021 05:15 UTC