Dan Neville (Limerick, Fine Gael)

I welcome again the Minister's allocation of €35 million for mental health services. It is important that this allocation be managed and spent properly in conjunction with the HSE. There are several reasons for this. First, the delivery of mental health services is disjointed. Of vital importance is the immediate appointment of a director of mental health services to ensure the €35 million will be spent on developing the multidisciplinary teams so as to introduce a proper community-based mental health service and reduce reliance on inpatient services. We have the highest requirement for inpatient mental health services in Europe.

Some €25 million was allocated by the former Minister for Health and Children in 2006, and there was a further allocation of €25 million in 2007, but this money was not spent on mental health services. Some 50% of the funding was hived off, and this information was obtained through the Freedom of Information Act by an NGO. Rather than tackling the problem, the then Minister decided not to give further moneys to the service.

It is urgent that the money spent on the National Office for Suicide Prevention be managed, that the increased budget, from the promised €35 million, be managed, and that there be a director for the office. This appointment is vital. I tabled a parliamentary question yesterday on the appointment and was informed by the Minister that it is an issue for the Health Service Executive. I put it to the Minister, and indirectly to the Minister of State, that this is surely a national issue. With 600 people dying from suicide per annum, it is an issue for the Oireachtas and requires departmental accountability. The director of the National Office for Suicide Prevention is required to ensure the office's resources will be spent as effectively and efficiently as possible.

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