Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 November 2017
319. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if the voluntary sector will be engaged in the new mental health helpline; the discussions which have taken place to date; his plans for future discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49897/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have set as a priority the development of a Mental Health Telephone/Text Helpline. Preliminary discussions regarding the feasibility of establishing a Helpline, and the related parameters and resource issues around that, were held on the 7 November. The HSE has agreed to lead this project out, and it has established a working group to perform the necessary scoping work. This group will report back in due course after a full assessment has been made of the infrastructure requirements for successful implementation. Development of the Helpline is still in its early stages and therefore no schedule or deliverable milestones have been finalised at this time. The Minister and Department officials will meet with the HSE again in early 2018 for an update on progress. The date of this meeting is yet to be confirmed.
