Mental Health Services Funding

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 October 2017

Tuesday, 17 October 2017

Questions (349)

James Browne

Question:

349. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the projected expenditure on mental health in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43720/17]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The HSE Mental Health Services expect to spend their full allocation of €853 million in 2017. New developments have been initiated and will continue to be enhanced, along with existing services, in the coming years in line with the Programme for Government and recommendations from A Vision for Change.

Between 2012 and 2017 €140 million additional funding has been provided to the Mental Health Budget, with an addition of €59.1 million announced in Budget 2018, bringing increased investment by the Government to over €200 million, or 28%, since 2012. In addition, the Minister for Health has committed to a further €55 million to be made available for mental health services in 2019.