Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 December 2004
15 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the areas in which she intends spending the €15 million announced in the 2005 Estimates for mental health services; her plans for investment in the infrastructure of mental health services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31758/04]
View answerAn additional €15 million revenue funding will be made available for the further development of our mental health services in 2005, bringing the total spend on mental health to approximately €725 million. Priority areas for additional funding will include child and adolescent psychiatry, community-based adult mental health teams, the provision of additional community residential places and the opening of new mental health facilities. It is also my intention to provide additional funding to assist voluntary agencies in the mental health area.
In addition to the €15 million for mental health services, a further €10 million is being allocated to the Mental Health Commission to enable the mental health tribunals to commence their work in 2005.
16 Dr. Upton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to concerns expressed in relation to the split in responsibility for mental health that will arise in the new Health Service Executive structure; the steps she intends to take to ensure the provision and delivery of a proper integrated approach; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31574/04]
View answerI understand that this matter is being examined at present by the interim health service executive. My Department will be meeting with the interim health service executive shortly to discuss the issues involved. It would be essential that any new arrangements would provide for cohesive and integrated management structures for the mental health services.
