Written Answers Nos. 207-221
207. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health the number of children in counties Laois and Offaly, respectively on waiting lists for occupational therapy services; the number waiting in excess of six, 12, 18 and 24 months, respectively, in tabular form. [38968/20]
View answer208. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health the number of children waiting for speech and language therapy in counties Laois and Offaly, respectively; the number waiting in excess of six, 12, 18 and 24 months, respectively in tabular form. [38969/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 207 and 208 together.
The Programme for Government, Our Shared Future, recognises the need to improve services for both children and adults with disabilities through better implementation and by working together across Government in a better way.
The Government commits to prioritising early diagnosis and access to services for children and ensuring that the most effective interventions are provided for each child, to guarantee the best outcomes.
As this question relates to a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
210. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the mental health funding announced in budget 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38976/20]
View answerBudget 2021 saw an additional €50 million allocated to Mental Health Services, bringing the total 2021 mental health budget to €1,076 billion, which is the biggest mental health budget on record. This emphasises the Government’s continued commitment to mental health and the priority it deserves in these unsettling times.
The additional allocation includes €23 million to commence implementation of many of the short-term recommendations of Sharing the Vision, the national mental health policy. This includes establishing the structures required to implement the policy and the expansion of the clinical care programmes for dual diagnosis, early intervention in psychosis, and mental health and intellectual disability. It will also fund additional mental health beds, enhanced community mental health teams, CAMHS hubs/teams, adult crisis resolution services, increased supports in employment, peer support workers, bereavement coordinators, and dialectical behaviour therapy.
€15 million will assist with meeting the challenges arising from Covid-19. The number of step-down beds will be increased and extra resources will be provided for community mental health teams. Reconfiguration of mental health facilities, in line with Mental Health Commission recommendations, and enhancement of digital mental health supports will also take place.
The remaining €12 million of the €50 million additional mental health funding for 2021 will address existing level of service costs, including placements for people whose needs cannot be met within the public mental health system.
211. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the percentage of total national health spend allocated to mental health services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38977/20]
View answer212. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the percentage of total national budgetary spend allocated to mental health services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38978/20]
View answer215. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the annual expenditure on mental health in 2020 to date; the projected outturn for 2020; the actual estimate approved at the start of the year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38981/20]
View answer216. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a summary of the annual mental health budget in each of the years 2015 to 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38982/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 211, 212, 215 and 216 together.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
219. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the members of NPHET representing the views of the mental health services; the mental health expertise within NPHET; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38985/20]
View answerFirstly, I would like to say that the Government is fully aware that the public health measures in place since the beginning of the pandemic continue to demand immense sacrifices across all areas of society and is particularly aware of the impact on people's mental health and wellbeing.
Since the emergence of COVID-19, the Government has been guided at all times by the emerging scientific understanding of the virus and in particular has been guided by the advice of the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET).
Membership of the NPHET is multi-disciplinary and multi-sectoral in line with best international practice. The NPHET consists of representatives from across the health and social care service including the Department of Health (DOH), Health Service Executive (HSE), Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC), Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA), Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA), and others with relevant expertise in health and/or other related matters. Current membership of the NPHET also includes a Consultant Psychiatrist and National Clinical Lead & Group Advisor for Mental Health with the HSE.
I can therefore assure the Deputy that the mental health impact of the introduction of any public health measure continues to be among the factors considered by the NPHET as it formulates its recommendations for responding to the COVID-19 emergency.
Further information on the NPHET membership is available at: - https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/691330-national-public-health-emergency-team-covid-19-coronavirus/
220. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health if there has been an increase in the request for substance abuse support services since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38986/20]
View answer221. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health if substance abuse support services have received additional funding since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38987/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 220 and 221 together.
The Covid-19 pandemic has created a time of uncertainty and anxiety for everyone and particularly for those who are affected by drug and alcohol addiction. The restructuring of services, social distancing measures and self-isolation can be particularly difficult for those who are trying to remain drug or alcohol free and for those who are in recovery.
The Government plan for living with Covid-19 details how non-Covid health and social care services will be resumed, especially during the challenging winter months. This includes planning for the safe resumption of drug and alcohol services, including community-based services, residential programmes and recovery support groups.
The Department has set up a working group with drug and alcohol service providers to develop a 'Framework for the Restoration of Drug and Alcohol Services', in a planned and appropriate manner in line with public health advice. The working group has identified issues on which guidance and supports are required. I expect to be in receipt of the finished Framework document in the coming weeks.
I recently met with representatives of drug and alcohol task forces to discuss continued support for their work in identifying and responding to local needs. On 13th November, I announced the provision of €480,000 in once-off funding to support the restoration of drug and alcohol services during Covid-19. This €480,000 is being provided to the network of 24 Drug and Alcohol Task Forces for distribution to community and voluntary drug and alcohol services in their areas. Each task force will receive up to €20,000 in once-off funding to meet Covid-19 related costs.
As this is also a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
