Behavioural study: Some 5,000 children in the Clonmel area of Co Tipperary are to be screened as part of a study into emotional, behavioural and learning problems among Irish children.
The study, being undertaken by the South Eastern Health Board (SEHB) and the psychology department of University College Dublin, will involve the use of standardised questionnaires sent to the homes of all children in the town aged between two and 18.
The questionnaires will be distributed through public health nurses and schools.
Screening will take place over the next six months.
According to Maeve Martin, principal psychologist with the SEHB, a report should be finalised in a year on the level of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), depression, suicidal thoughts, learning disability and other disorders among children.
In the second and final year of the study, the findings will be analysed and the researchers will consider international best practice and make recommendations on addressing the problems.
Ms Martin said this was the first large scale study focusing on the mental health needs of children in the Republic.
The research is being undertaken in response to a recent report by Amnesty International, Mental Illness: the Neglected Quarter - Children, which criticised a "lack of data on the mental health needs of Irish children and the quality of information and support for children, parents and teachers in identifying mental health problems".
Ms Martin explained that Clonmel had been chosen for the research because of its good mix of population. It has both "inner city and rural elements" and was typical of a community care district, she said.
She described the study as "a very exciting and innovative research project" and urged all parents to return the questionnaires.