Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 May 2014
230. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health if mental health promotion will be included in the health and well-being services under UHI, in view of the fact that mental health promotion focuses on protective factors and prevention, thereby reducing hospital costs in the long run; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21919/14]
View answerThe Programme for Government commits to the development of a modern, community-based mental health service and to the inclusion of a comprehensive range of mental health services within the standard UHI package.
The White Paper on Universal Health Insurance was published by Government on 2 April 2014. The White Paper indicates that under UHI, citizens will have access to a package of primary and acute hospital services, including acute mental health services.
The White Paper also sets out policy proposals for the treatment of different service areas, including mental health and health and well-being. UHI will focus on services delivered at the individual patient or client level. Services such as mental health promotion, which are population based, will continue to be funded directly by the Exchequer. However, this does not in any way diminish their importance, or the priority that I attach to them.
The Government will shortly establish, an Expert Commission to consider in detail the range of services to be included either within the UHI standard package of services or within the overall health basket. The Commission will consult widely and will present a series of options to Government. The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children will also review the options presented by the Commission. The final decision on the services to be included in the UHI standard package and the overall health basket will be made by the Government.
