Brendan Griffin
Question:145. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a breakdown of the increase in the mental health budget for 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33219/16]
View answerThursday, 3 November 2016
Questions (145)
Written answers
The allocation for Mental Health in 2017 will be €851.3 million, an increase of €24.7 million, or approximately 3%, over 2016. In addition, a further €50 million will be provided for the construction of the new national forensic mental health service in Portrane.
I am initiating €35 million in new services in 2017. Key priorities to be addressed in the HSE's 2017 Service Plan include youth mental health, further improvement to child & adolescent and adult services, older people's services and further enhanced out of hours response for those in need of urgent services. Recognising the time lag in new staff taking up posts and the completion of preparations for the introduction of these services, it is estimated that the revenue spend in 2017 associated with this increased allocation will be some €15 million. There will also be a further additional spend of €9.7 million in mental health associated with increased pay rates.