Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 September 2021
202. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Health the mental health supports his Department is planning to put in place for 2022; the funding to date in 2021 for mental health supports; the way that funding has been allocated and spent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46901/21]
View answerThe development of all aspects of mental health services remains a priority for Government. This is reflected in the current Programme for Government, the new policy, Sharing the Vision - A Mental Health Policy for Everyone, and the significant additional funding given to HSE Mental Health services in Budget 2021.
The Department is engaging in dialogue with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the HSE in relation to the 2022 Estimates. Until these discussions are concluded it would not be appropriate for me to comment on this matter. However, I am committed to ensuring the continued enhancement of mental health services through the allocation of additional development funding in mental health in 2022.
I would note for the Deputy that 2021 saw a record budget for mental health of over €1.1 billion, including €23 million to commence implementation of many of the short-term recommendations of Sharing the Vision in 2021 and the HSE National Service Plan. €15m is to address the additional challenges posed by Covid-19, including increased step-down beds, private surge capacity, extra resources for community mental health teams and reconfiguration of residential facilities to meet Mental Health Commission recommendations. An additional €2.2m was allocated in 2020 to develop telehealth and psychosocial responses to Covid-19 for healthcare workers and the public.
Of the €23 million allocated to commence implementation of many of the short-term recommendations of Sharing the Vision in 2021, €8.737 million has been released to the HSE. This funding has enabled the HSE to progress initiatives agreed in the National Service Plan 2021 and Sharing the Vision, including crisis resolution teams, peer support programme, individual placement support, development of the national clinical programmes, the recently launched DBT training programme and the recruitment of a bereavement co-ordinator under Connecting for Life, the National Strategy to Reduce Suicide. The remaining MH posts provided for under 2021 development funding will continue to be progressed in Q4 2021
While we do not yet fully understand Covid-19’s impact on mental health, the extent of supports that may be required and how this will affect longer term service demand the Department and HSE continue to plan for any potential surge in demand as it arises and as services return to normal provision and capacity. The HSE has a range of proactive responses for any rise in service need.
Throughout the pandemic, with adaptations, enhancements and improvements, mental health services continued to operate to approximately 85-90% capacity. In particular, expanded and enhanced digital services were crucial in responding to both existing and new and emerging need.
