James Browne
Question:574. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the way the provision of mental health services for persons experiencing homelessness has been expanded in 2017. [33835/17]
View answerThursday, 13 July 2017
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Written answers
An additional €2 million was made available from the additional €35 million allocated for mental health services in 2016, to address the specific health needs of homeless persons in the Dublin region, with a particular focus on mental health needs. A key requirement was that any mental health supports provided would be developed as part of an overall cohesive response to homelessness.
This funding was transferred to the HSE in 2016 to mainly fund Supported Temporary, and Long-Term Accommodation across 5 different providers (€1.5 million approximately), expansion of In-Reach services (primary care and mental health) to Supported Temporary Accommodation settings (€330,000 approximately) and the expansion of health input into the Housing First Scheme. The €2 million provided in 2016 will continue to be provided in 2017 onwards to fund these additional services for homeless people with mental health and addiction needs.
The HSE National Service Plan 2017 sets out a commitment to improve health outcomes for the most vulnerable in society, including the homeless. Amongst the priority actions for 2017 are to improve health outcomes for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, particularly those with addiction and mental health needs, by providing key worker, case management, general practitioner (GP) and nursing services; and to implement the health actions set out in Rebuilding Ireland, Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness, on a phased basis, in order to provide the most appropriate primary care and mental health services to those in homeless services and improve their ability to sustain a normal tenancy.