Denis Naughten
Ceist:1092. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the additional funding provided under the winter plan for mental health services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1782/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 13 January 2021
Ceisteanna (1092)
Freagraí scríofa
Future funding for Mental Health Services was considered as part of the 2021 Budget and was progressed in the context of the main Government Pandemic Plan, rather than in the HSE Winter Plan.
The development of all aspects of mental health services remains a priority for Government. This is reflected in the current Programme for Government, the new policy, Sharing the Vision - A Mental Health Policy for Everyone, and the significant additional funding given to HSE Mental Health services in Budget 2021.
Budget 2021 includes an additional €50 million for Mental Health Services, bringing the total Mental Health provision to €1.076 billion. In relation to the additional €50 million, €23 million has been allocated to commence implementation of many of the short-term recommendations of Sharing the Vision in 2021. This will fund additional beds and the enhancement of mental health teams, including: Child and Adolescent Mental Health services and Adult Crisis Resolution Teams; expansion of specialist Clinical and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy Programmes; Peer Support and Bereavement Coordinators; and the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) employment approach. This funding will provide for an additional 153 posts in mental health in 2021.
In addition to the above, €15 million will assist with evolving challenges arising from Covid-19. In this context, the number of step-down beds will be increased and extra resources will be provided for community mental health teams. Reconfiguration of mental health facilities, in line with Mental Health Commission recommendations and the enhancement of digital mental health supports will also take place.
€2.2 million was provided to the HSE in 2020 for a mental health promotion and well-being campaign, through enhanced online supports to improve population health outcomes.