Mental Health Services Funding

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 November 2013

Tuesday, 5 November 2013

Questions (1026)

Colm Keaveney

Question:

1026. Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Health in reference to the statement by the Minister of State for mental health, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, on the RTE programme "This Week" which referenced the allocation of €20 million for investment in mental health in 2014, where she said, we, the mental health service, are getting €20 million this year and I have guaranteed that the additional €15 million will be available next year, if he will confirm that his Department has made this guarantee; if so, if he will restate that guarantee in response to this question; if this €15 million will be on top of the €35 million per year that the programme for Government committed to be ring-fenced each year for investment in mental health; if he will state the conditionality attached to this guarantee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45659/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

Mental health has again succeeded in obtaining a substantial ring-fenced allocation, within the overall budgetary context. The current economic environment presents a significant challenge for the health system generally in delivering services. However, mental health is being treated as a priority in so far as we can.

The announcement in Budget 2014 of €20 million ring-fenced for mental health is in line with a commitment in the Programme for Government to accelerate the pace of change to develop a modern, patient-centred, and recovery orientated mental health service. This €20 million ring-fenced in Budget 2014 for mental health means that, despite serious resource pressures overall, funding of €90 million has been made available since 2012 up to end 2014, which has been specifically ear-marked for mental health and suicide prevention.

I can confirm to the Deputy that I have been assured that the remaining €15 million which was due in 2014 for mental health will be restored in 2015. I will also be advocating for an allocation of €35 million in 2015 for mental health.