Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 October 2004
189 Ms McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, further to Question No. 146 of 13 October 2004, if there is a budgetary impact on mental health care; and if not, the budget from which the €35 million is being diverted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26033/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraDuring the Estimates process last year my Department secured an increase of 10.7% in its non-capital funding, which was almost double the overall Government increase in spending. Within this overall sum, the Minister applied flexibility to prioritise selected areas and one of the priorities identified was the opening of new facilities completed under the capital investment framework prior to 2004. Both acute and non-acute new units were covered in this initiative which were the subject of discussions between my Department and the Department of Finance. An agreement was reached to open new facilities including two new facilities in the area of mental health. The budgetary impact on the area of mental health is therefore a positive one. These units will significantly enhance service delivery and, once opened, will have an immediate impact on relieving pressures on services such as acute hospitals, services for older people, disability services and mental health.
