Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 June 2016
251. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health his views on the other health services which benefited from the recent redistribution of €12 million in the recent health budget previously earmarked for mental health services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17627/16]
View answerFollowing the recent restoration by this Government of the €12 million funding originally intended for mental health this year, my Department has requested the HSE to finalise detailed expenditure proposals for this amount. It was proposed to divert time related savings in mental health and other areas on a once-off basis in 2016, to fund other healthcare areas including Home Care and Transitional Care. However, given that the Government has announced an additional €500 million for the Health sector on 15 June last, these other healthcare areas are now adequately funded for 2016 and the diversion of time related savings in mental health will not take place. Subject to agreement on HSE proposals, sanction will issue for the restored €12 mental health funding at an early date.
