Colm Burke
Question:1010. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health to confirm his plans for increased mental health supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40441/23]
View answerWednesday, 20 September 2023
Questions (1010, 1011)
Colm Burke
Question:1011. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health to confirm that mental health spending will be increased to 10% of the overall health budget, in line with international standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40442/23]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1010 and 1011 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.
As noted above, the funding secured by mental health services for this year was €1.2 billion, 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 also 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, or the Department of Education.
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.
Question No. 1011 answered with Question No. 1010.