Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 October 2020
723. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the amount of funding from the mental health budget that has been withheld from the HSE by his Department in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31564/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra725. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health when the 2020 mental health budget was released to his Department; the amount that has not been released; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31566/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 723 and 725 together.
Budget 2020 allocated an additional €39 million to HSE Mental Health Services for the year, bringing the annual budget to €1.026 billion. This was an increase of €315m, or around 45%, since 2012.
€13 million of the €39 million was for new developments, including the opening of the new Portrane Forensic Hospital. €26 million is for other costs, including pay.
Of the €13 million, €7.5 million has been drawn down to date, in two lots in quarter 2 and quarter 3. The remaining €5.5 million is expected to be drawn down by the HSE before year end.
An additional €2.2 million has been allocated for the joint Department of Health and HSE psychosocial campaign. This funding has enhanced digital technologies and online counselling supports via NGO partners, to address mild to moderate mental health issues experienced by some people as a result of Covid-19. This funding will be released to the HSE as part of the additional health funding announced by the Government in June for Covid-19 costs.
