Mental Health Services Expenditure

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 November 2017

Thursday, 9 November 2017

Ceisteanna (182)

James Browne

Ceist:

182. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health if he will delegate budget authority further down the structure of mental health services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47485/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

Funding is provided to the HSE for mental health services in accordance with the letter of determination which sets out the approved level of overall HSE expenditure to resource the National Service Plan. The Executive has responsibility for implementing the Mental Health Services budget as part of the Service Plan which must under legislation, set out the type and volume of health and personal social services, to be provided during the year in question. The Executive is accountable to the Oireachtas for this budget as part of its overall expenditure. Further delegation within the HSE is then a matter for the Executive. I have therefore asked the Executive to respond directly to the Deputy on this aspect of the matter raised.