Mental Health Services Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 April 2013

Wednesday, 24 April 2013

Questions (239)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

239. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health in relation to the filling of the 414 posts for community mental health services committed to in the Health Service Executive National Service Plan 2012, the number of these positions that have been filled by existing HSE staff members; the action being taken regarding the back filling of the positions these staff members have vacated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19300/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

In 2012, a special allocation of €35m was provided for mental health to be used primarily to further strengthen Community Mental Health Teams in both adult and children’s mental health services, to advance activities in the area of suicide prevention, to initiate the provision of psychological and counselling services in primary care, specifically for people with mental health problems and to facilitate the re-location of mental health service users from institutional care to more independent living arrangements in their communities, in line with A Vision for Change.

As at 5th April, 384 of the 414 posts approved in 2012 have either been filled, are under offer or awaiting clearance. The remaining posts will be filled as soon as possible.

In relation to the specific issues raised by the Deputy, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy in this matter.