Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 June 2014
518. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the allocation of the full €35 million committed in the programme for Government for investment in community mental health services, along with the €15 million balance of the underspend in budget 2014, to a total of €50 million investment in these essential services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27253/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis Government has prioritised the reform of our mental health services in line with A Vision for Change and is committed in particular to the delivery of more and better quality care in the community. Towards this end, funding of €70 million and 890 posts have been provided to develop our community mental health services in 2012 and 2013.
In Budget 2014, the Government again re-committed to the continued development of our mental health services in these extremely challenging times, where the options for additional expenditure generally are very constrained. €20 million has been ringfenced for the further development of our mental health services in 2014. This means that, despite serious resource pressures overall, funding of €90m has been made available since 2012 up to end of 2014, which has been specifically ear-marked for mental health and suicide prevention.
This funding will enable the HSE to continue to develop and modernise our mental health services in line with the recommendations of A Vision for Change and will allow for the recruitment of between 250 and 280 additional staff to further enhance our:
- Adult Community Mental Health Teams;
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Teams and
- Specialist Mental Health Teams.
These posts are targeted to be in place by Quarter 4 of 2014.
I can confirm to the Deputy that I have been assured that the remaining €15 million which was due in 2014 for mental health will be restored in 2015. I will also be advocating for an allocation of €35 million in 2015 for mental health.
