Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 October 2021
231. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health his plans to increase the mental health services budget to the internationally recognised level of 12% of the overall health budget in the lifetime of the 33rd Dáil; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50805/21]
View answerThe development of all aspects of mental health services remains a priority for Government. This is reflected in the current Programme for Government, Sharing the Vision - A Mental Health Policy for Everyone, and the HSE National Service Plans.
2022 will see another record spend of €1.149 billion for mental health services. This includes an additional €47 million on 2021, comprising €24 million for new developments, €10 million for mental health initiatives in response to Covid and €13 million for existing level of service.
Separately, another €10 million is being made available in 2021, aimed at supporting the community and voluntary pillar in the mental health sector.
In 2022 this represents 5.4% of the overall provision of €21.337 billion for the HSE.
However, this figure does not include funding for other parts of the health service that provide mental health services and supports, such as psychotropic medicines funded by the Primary Care Reimbursement Service, liaison mental health services in acute hospitals, some dual diagnosis (addiction and mental health) services and mental health and well-being promotion. It does not include the cost of the Mental Health Commission.
Nor does it include spending by other departments on services that incorporate psychological or mental health supports, such as the Prison and Probation Services, Social Protection, Defence Forces, Department of Foreign Affairs supporting the Irish diaspora or the Department of Education.
I am, along with Government as a whole, committed to ensuring continued investment in mental health so that we can further improve and enhance our mental health services and supports.
