Dáil debates

Thursday, 13 April 2017

12:25 pm

Photo of Frances FitzgeraldFrances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this very important issue, one that is a priority for the Government. Mental health remains a key care programme priority for the Government. This is reflected in the fact that the mental health budget for the HSE has increased from approximately €826 million in 2016 to approximately €851 million this year. That is important because we know there are unmet needs in the State in respect of mental health services. Importantly, the stigma around mental health issues is decreasing and this is particularly noticeable among young people with the initiatives being taken in schools and by the supports these give to young people with mental health issues. There are some wonderful changes in the country in that regard.

A Vision for Change was the first important seminal document that laid out what we needed to do and that described the kinds of mental health teams needed for children and adults. A Vision for Change is still being implemented. I acknowledge that Deputy Connolly has asked this question in the Dáil previously. I am glad to be able to confirm that the Minister of State, Deputy McEntee has informed me that the first stages of the review will be published within two to three weeks. Once published, the implementation group will be established immediately. This is currently under way.

The review will identify current gaps and it will publish plans to move towards having services available for 24 hours every day of the week. This is very important as access to emergency help or out-of-hours services is a huge issue in mental health. These issues will be addressed.

As Deputy Connolly knows, there have been a lot of developments. If one looks at what has been happening in the area of child mental health services, one sees that the funding prioritised by the Government has allowed new teams to be established. We now have 67 child and adolescent mental health service, CAMHS, teams nationwide, which is a huge improvement compared with the situation some years ago. We have three paediatric liaison teams. These are a very important part of the service because they provide the link between paediatrics and the mental health teams. There are 66 operational CAMHS beds across the country and we are planning to have further inpatient beds for children and young people with mental health issues.

The direct reply to the Deputy's question is that the review report will be available in two to three weeks.

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