Mental Health Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 September 2023

Wednesday, 20 September 2023

Questions (1006, 1009)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

1006. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health his plans to increase the mental health budget to 10% of the total health budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40437/23]

Catherine Connolly

Question:

1009. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health his plans to increase funding in Budget 2024 across a range of mental health areas, namely dual diagnosis, self-harm/suicide, early intervention in psychosis, eating disorders, ADHD and perinatal mental health; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40440/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Mary Butler)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1006 and 1009 together.

The Department of Health is currently engaging in dialogue with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform and the HSE in relation to the 2024 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 funding for mental health in 2024.

The Government’s clear commitment to enhancing mental health services is shown by significant mental health funding increases in recent years. I would note that 2023 saw a record budget for mental health of €1.2bn. Budget 2023 delivered almost €58m in additional funding, and a further €10m in once-off funding for much needed minor capital works across the mental health system.

Funding allocated to mental health services in recent years has allowed for the continued investment in the mental health national clinical programmes and models of care, which has led to significant service improvements, including the full implementation of specialist perinatal mental health network provided for and the on-going expansion of specialist mental health teams for eating disorders, ADHD in adults, and dual diagnosis.

Importantly, as budgets increase, we need to ensure that we have plans and strategies in place so that those resources are used effectively and efficiently to the benefit of people using our mental health services. All aspects of mental health services are being improved and developed in the short to longer term through our national mental health policy Sharing the Vision. Sharing the Vision aims to enhance the provision of mental health services and supports across a broad continuum, from mental health promotion, prevention, and early intervention to acute and specialist mental health service delivery, during the period 2020-2030.