Mental Health Services Funding

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 November 2016

Thursday, 17 November 2016

Questions (202)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

202. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 133 of 27 October 2016, the reason only €15 million of the €35 million additional funding for mental health will be released to the HSE for 2017; the purpose for which this funding will be used; the timing factors that are preventing the expenditure of the full €35 million in 2017 in view of the huge demand for mental health services here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35517/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The allocation for Mental Health in 2017 will be €851.3 million, an increase of €24.7 million, or approximately 3%, over 2016.

I am initiating €35 million in new services in 2017 to further implement "A Vision For Change". 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.