Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 October 2017
350. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the amount of the additional €15 million for mental health in 2017 which will be spent in 2017; the specific initiatives it has funded; the number of additional positions it has provided in the mental health division; the use to which unspent funds will be diverted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43721/17]
View answerThe HSE Mental Health Services Division expects to spend its full allocation of €853 million in 2017. This includes the €15 million allocated to new developments, which 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.
Among the initiatives funded by the €15 million are Forensic Community In-Reach Teams, additional Nurse Undergraduate places, and the enhancement of both 7-day-a-week and Eating Disorder services.
The number of additional posts provided for in 2017 is 325.
Budget 2018 made allowance for an additional €59 million for Mental Health Services for 2018. This includes pay-related costs of €24 million, €20 million to further progress the new initiatives commenced in 2017, and the €15 million for new developments above.
This increase will result in a Mental Health Budget of €912.1 million, an increase of €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.
