Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 November 2023
57. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the level of additional core expenditure for new developments, excluding funding for carryover and otherwise maintaining existing levels of service, for CAMHS services in CHO8 in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48937/23]
View answerImproving access to mental health services remains a commitment to me and my Department. To this end, funding to mental health has increased by 25% during the lifetime of this Government.
More specifically, around €137 million was provided by the HSE to CAMH services in 2023. In addition, around €108m has been provided to community-based mental health organisations/NGOs this year, with a significant proportion of this dedicated to supporting young people.
The total allocation for mental health services in 2024 is approximately €1.3 billion, which is the fourth year in a row in which the mental health budget has been increased. This represents a significant investment which will enable continued policy implementation and service improvement in line with Sharing the Vision. This year’s budget allocation will enhance mental health supports next year across a broad continuum from mental health promotion, prevention and early intervention, to acute and specialist mental health service delivery, with a specific focus on CAMHS.
New development funding has been secured to advance initiatives on youth mental health, and for priority groups identified under Sharing the Vision and Connecting for Life. This will be focused on increased CAMHS staffing, a new Youth Mental Health app, a referral pilot for paediatric community services including CAMHS (piloting an approach to service referrals known as ‘No Wrong Door’), and the expansion of Suicide Bereavement Liaison services.
As occurs each year following the Budget, discussions will now take place with the HSE on details relating to specific service initiatives in the context of preparing the HSE Service Plan 2024, including for Mental Health. In this context, the new National Office for Youth Mental Health in the HSE will also work to ensure that mental health services for children and young people in this country are accessible, modern, and patient-centered.
