Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 February 2014
724. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Health the number of the 890 additional posts announced in the community mental health service over the past number of years that have been filled to date; when he expects all outstanding posts to be filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7907/14]
View answerThis Government has prioritised the reform of our mental health services in line with A Vision for Change and is committed in particular to the delivery of more and better quality care in the community. Additional funding totalling €70 million for some 900 new posts has been provided as part of the 2012 and 2013 Budgets, primarily to strengthen Community Mental Health Teams for both adults and children and to enhance specialist community mental health services for older people with a mental illness, those with an intellectual disability, and mental illness and forensic mental health services in line with A Vision for Change. As the recruitment of posts is a service matter, the question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
