Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 January 2021
264. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health if he has considered a mental health support plan aimed at business owners who face an uncertain future given the impact of the Covid-19 restrictions on their livelihoods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4777/21]
View answerCovid-19 has adversely affected every person in Ireland in diverse and challenging ways. The disease itself has caused significant stress, anxiety, worry and fear. It has increased social isolation, disruption to daily life and has caused uncertainty about employment and financial security for many of us.
With the added pressure on the nations’ mental health, it is more important than ever that services are responsive to the needs of individuals.
I recognise that some business owners are facing an uncertain future and that this may increase anxiety levels.
The Government’s “In this Together” and “Keep Well” campaigns encourage, and offer practical advice on, maintaining our physical and mental health.
Access to services is central to the Government’s commitments under Sláintecare and the new national mental health policy, Sharing the Vision. The Government’s commitment to continued enhancement of mental health services is shown in ongoing increases in the mental health budget. Since 2012, €365 million has been added, bringing the mental health budget in 2021 to €1.076 billion, an increase of 51%.
Covid-19 has rapidly accelerated the online delivery of mental health services. Last year the Department of Health, with the HSE, launched a number of initiatives to promote mental health and well-being, including the national Crisis Text-Line. An additional €2.2m has been provided for a mental health promotion and well-being campaign, through enhanced online supports and to support the HSE psychosocial strategy. This has enabled integrated telehealth solutions to improve existing online interventions. Examples are the free counselling sessions offered by HSE partners MyMind and a number of other providers. Details can be found on the HSE’s website yourmentalhealth.ie
These campaigns and supports are available for all citizens, including business owners, and it is important to ensure that everyone is aware of these services. The HSE has been running an awareness campaign, through radio advertisements, directing people who need services to yourmentalhealth.ie and the mental health information telephone line 1800 111 888.
In addition, there are a number of financial and practical supports that the Government has put in place for businesses since the start of the pandemic. These include:
- A cash payment through the COVID Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS)
- The Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme which pays a flat-rate subsidy for each employee
- A Trading Online Voucher to assist moving the business online
- Business advice and support from Local Enterprise offices
- A Restart Grant Plus Scheme
- Rates waiver and tax measures to reduce operational costs
- Reduction of standard rate of VAT from 23% to 21%
Information on all Government supports for businesses can be found at: https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/
