Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle. I have no cap. It has been reported today that the HSE spends approximately €400 million per year on medication for the treatment of mental illness. At the same time, a mere €10 million per year is spent on psychological and counselling care services. This is a huge imbalance. The second interim report of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on the Future of Mental Health Care indicates mental health options get €917 million per annum, or a mere 6.3% of the overall budget this year. This is a desperate imbalance given all the problems being raised by all of us and being experienced throughout the country. What will the Tánaiste and the Government do to correct this imbalance and help people who are suffering with mental illness? There is a huge imbalance.

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