Mental Health Services Provision

Thursday, 6 December 2012

Questions (160)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

160. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the number of vacancies in the community mental health teams at present; and the locations and grades where each vacancy occurs. [54946/12]

View answer

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

Arising from the special allocation of €35m which was provided for Mental Health in Budget 2012, 414 posts have been approved to strengthen both Adult and Children's mental health services. To date 17 posts have been filled and over 270 offers of employment have already been accepted and appointments are proceeding. Most start dates are expected to commence this month. As the staffing of individual Community Mental Health Teams is a service matter, the question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.