Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)

The expenditure reductions necessary in 2012 will challenge all areas of the health system to provide continuity of services that is both appropriate and safe for patients. In common with other care areas, efficiencies and other savings will be required from the mental health service. However, I am glad it was possible to announce a special allocation of €35 million for mental health in line with the programme for Government.

Funding from the special allocation for mental health will be used primarily to strengthen community mental health teams in both adult and children's mental health services. It is intended that the additional resources will be rolled out in conjunction with a scheme of appropriate clinical care programmes based on an early intervention and a recovery approach. Some provision also will be made to facilitate the re-location of mental health service users from institutional care to more independent living arrangements in their communities, in line with the strategy of A Vision for Change. This necessarily will involve some rationalisation and re-organisation of services at a local and regional level.

Mental health services are continually reviewing the provision of service to their population to maximise the balance of service access within the available resources. Services include acute community mental health services, acute inpatient services, rehabilitation and continuing care. Some high support facilities also are used when required to provide respite care.

The case in Ballina referred to by the Deputy involves a community-based residential unit that provides inpatient and respite beds, as well as a day care centre and outreach services to patients with severe and enduring mental health conditions. These services are currently under review and a planning process for the future of mental health services for the area, which will include consultation with service users, is scheduled to commence shortly.

See this speech in context