Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 May 2022
183. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the funding of €1 million to be distributed by an organisation (details supplied) through its extensive network of grassroots mental health organisations in local communities nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25019/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn additional €10 million was announced on Budget Day as a once off funding measure to provide further investment in mental health services, with a particular emphasis on community and voluntary based supports.
€1 million was provided to Mental Health Ireland to manage a grants scheme to community and voluntary bodies to support local community initiatives working to progress the objectives of Sharing the Vision and Connecting for Life . A further €0.5 million was contributed by the HSE bringing the total amount available to €1.5 million.
On 14th April, I announced that grants of between €5,000 and €30,000 was allocated by Mental Health Ireland to almost 80 organisations to enable them to deliver mental health services on the ground.
Those receiving funding range from established organisations in the sector who are launching new projects, organisations from other sectors who are extending their offering to include mental health supports, and groups who are active in the areas of addiction, employment, housing, ageing, new communities, and farming.
Many community and voluntary groups will benefit from the scheme. The level of interest was such that the number of applications received exceeded the funding available. The grants were assessed based on their alignment with national policy objectives in Sharing the Vision and Connecting for Life .
