Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 October 2018
479. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health if the €55 million increase in the mental health budget will include an allocation of expansion of Jigsaw youth mental health services; if expanding the jigsaw service to County Wicklow is included in budget 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42356/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraBudget 2019 allocated an additional €84 million for mental health services, bringing the HSE Mental Health budget to almost €1 billion, an increase of 40% since 2012. Of this, €35 million is apportioned for new developments, while €20 million is for the further growth of projects commenced in 2018. New developments will be progressed in the context of both the overall HSE Service Plan 2019, and the more detailed regional Operational Plan for Mental Health. These will be published by the HSE in the near future.
In order to ensure that public funding is being spent wisely, the HSE is currently reviewing Jigsaw services across a number of headings including Financial, Clinical and Governance. The HSE expects to have this process completed by end of 2018.
This review, in conjunction with the HSE Service Plan and Operational Plan 2019, will help inform potential expansion of the Jigsaw service nationally, including any proposals relating to Wicklow.
