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Suicide Incidence

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 May 2012

Wednesday, 16 May 2012

Ceisteanna (46)

Mick Wallace

Ceist:

41 Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Health if, in the context of near epidemic levels of suicide in County Wexford, he will consider allocating funding to a proposal (details supplied) to develop a mental health recovery and support centre in order that it might be set up in the county, as a matter of urgency; his plans to increase mental health spending as a percentage of overall health spending to the level recommended by A Vision for Change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24344/12]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the first part of the Deputy's question refers to an operational matter within the HSE, I have asked the Executive to reply directly to the Deputy on this issue. The Deputy will appreciate that the current economic environment presents a significant challenge for the health system generally in delivering services. However, mental health is being treated as a priority in so far as we can. Total funding for mental health in 2012 is in the region of €707 million. Like all other care areas, efficiency and other savings were required in 2012 from the Mental Health Service. However, in Budget 2012, a special allocation of €35m for mental health was announced in line with the Programme for Government commitments. Funding from this special allocation will be used primarily to strengthen Community Mental Health Teams in both Adult and Children's mental health services which will ensure, at a minimum, that at least one of each mental health professional discipline is represented on every team. This is very much in keeping with the policy set out in a Vision for Change.

Some of the funding will also be used to advance activities in the area of suicide prevention and response to self-harm presentations and to initiate the provision of psychological and counselling services in primary care, specifically for people with mental health problems. Some provision will also be made to facilitate the re-location of mental health service users from institutional care to more independent living arrangements in their communities, in line with A Vision for Change.

Over 400 additional staff will be recruited to support these initiatives. It is intended that the additional resources will be rolled out in conjunction with a scheme of appropriate clinical care programmes based on an early intervention and recovery approach.

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