Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 December 2015
19. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Health if the level of mental health provision in County Wexford is adequate to meet the needs of the local population; the measures he is taking to resolve the ongoing staffing issues in the county and to attract and maintain quality expertise there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42969/15]
View answerThe position in regard to mental health posts nationally was outlined in my Parliamentary Question reply of 22 October last to the Deputy.
The development of the mental health service in Co. Wexford has been underpinned by an overall budget allocation for Waterford/Wexford Mental Health services, which was increased by over €2m in 2015, from an allocation of just over €39m in 2014 to slightly over €41m for this year. The Waterford/Wexford region has received a total of 61 new development posts for mental health since 2012. Many of these posts have been filled, or are at various stages of recruitment. However, there are a number of recruitment challenges in filling some posts, for reasons outlined in my recent reply, including issues around the recruitment of nurses and consultants.
Difficulties in relation to the recruitment of mental health staff, wherever they occur nationally, do not relate primarily to lack of funding. In this context, the HSE reiterate that the number of staff in this service can fluctuate due to various reasons such as retirement or staff moving to take up employment elsewhere. The Executive has sought to address underlying recruitment issues largely relating to Nursing and Medical staff. It promotes an integrated approach to service delivery across the catchment area, with access barriers removed, and is committed to a quality and safe mental health service in all respects. The position should also be facilitated by the easing of the national moratorium on recruitment,and through targeted campaigns by the Executive.
Bearing in mind all the circumstances, including the Government's additional budgetary allocation for mental health in 2016, I am satisfied that HSE remains committed to providing the best possible mental health care in County Wexford.
