Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the opportunity to join Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan in seeking clarity on the issue of mental health funding and an update from the Minister for Health on the delivery of community-based mental health services. I recognise the Minister's commitment and thank him for being in the House to deal with this most serious issue.

Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan has already outlined how serious the issue is and I know the Minister is well aware of it. It is heartening that politicians on all sides of the House and from different backgrounds, as well as civic society, are united in a desire to do more to promote positive mental health. It is possibly the only issue on which we will unite in advance of the next budget, hence our pre-budget submission.

There is no room for complacency. We must have another €35 million allocated for mental health services in 2014 to build on the delivery of community mental health services. The Minister recognises that right across the health sector. However, the allocation of money in itself is not enough. We must ensure it is spent efficiently and effectively in the correct areas. With that in mind, I have three key questions, some of which have been raised by Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan.

Of the 414 posts allocated in 2012, how many were filled by existing workers in mental health services and have the vacated positions been filled? How many of the 477 posts included in the service plan for this year will be filled by the end of the year? What is the net increase in the staffing figure for mental health services? I know that the July HSE staffing census indicated a net increase of 192 between December 2012 and July 2013. Will we achieve the figure of approximately 900 places by the end of 2013?

I am proud to be part of a Government that is continuing to invest more resources in mental health services, but it is very important that we keep probing and questioning in order that we can ensure value for money in the community.

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