Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 June 2015
143. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if he will confirm that just 27 of the 46 old-age mental health teams required are in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22698/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince coming into office, this Government has prioritised the reform of our mental health services in line with the recommendations in A Vision for Change. We are committed to reducing the stigma of mental illness, ensuring early and appropriate intervention and improving access to modern mental health services in the community. Since 2012, additional funding totalling €125 million and some 1,150 new posts have been provided for mental health. These posts have been used to strengthen Community Mental Health Teams for adults and children, to enhance specialist community mental health services for older people with a mental illness and for those with an intellectual disability and mental illness, as well as expanding forensic mental health services.
The additional funding has enabled the HSE to provide a Psychiatry of Old Age Service to areas without such a service:
- Kildare
- Wicklow
- North Lee
- North Cork
- West Cork
- Kerry
- Remaining half of Mayo
The HSE Service Plan for 2015 commits to continuing to build on the investment in mental health services for General Adult, CAMHS, Psychiatry of Old Age, Liaison, and Rehabilitation and Recovery.
In relation to the specific number of Psychiatry of Old Age teams currently in place, as this is a service issue this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. If you have not received a reply within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.
