Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will try to be as quick as I can. On behalf of the Government, the Minister of State, Deputy Jim Daly, and myself, I thank Deputy Browne and everybody who has contributed to today's debate. I welcome the very constructive contributions which have been made by everyone in the Chamber. I also welcome this opportunity to reiterate the Government’s commitment to the development and improvement of mental health services. I have taken notes on some of the issues Deputies raised. If I have time, I will mention one or two of them.

As the Minister of State, Deputy Daly, mentioned in his opening remarks, real and significant developments in mental health services have been initiated since 2012. In the intervening period, approximately €200 million has been added to the HSE's mental health budget, which now amounts to more than €910 million. At a time when health budgets were subject to reductions, investment has been prioritised and increased to develop mental health policies and all connected services. The Government is committed to continuing to progress the real changes needed in mental health services in line with our commitments in A Programme for a Partnership Government.

It is equally evident that this same passion for enhancing the supporting structure of mental health in Ireland is shared by many in this Chamber. The first interim report of the Joint Committee on the Future of Mental Health Care in Ireland clearly indicates the commitment of Oireachtas Members to championing the enhancement of mental health services in Ireland. The report highlights the need for joined-up thinking among policymakers and service providers. I agree that there needs to be greater cohesion and inter-governmental planning when it comes to expanding mental health services in Ireland. It is only by working together that we can deliver on effective mental health strategies and reduce duplication. The committee recommends that a more robust financial reporting system be developed. This is essential to ensure that Government has oversight on how effectively money is being spent on mental health services. Our commitment to seek new ways to further enhance service provision, while also prioritising the updating of our mental health policy, indicates that we take mental health very seriously.

The Government understands that mental health needs to remain a priority. This can be clearly seen in the establishment of the joint committee and the oversight group for A Vision for Change. The creation of these two forums within which to reflect on and progress our mental services emphasises this commitment. While the joint committee and the oversight group have distinct final aims, there is also shared focus. The first report of the joint committee has set out its aims in a clear and definitive manner. The report identifies the pillars of attention; namely accountability of expenditure, the gaps in primary care, and recruitment issues.

While the difficulties are recognised, we should also acknowledge the positive advancements in this area. The extra funding added to the mental health budget since 2012 has permitted us to approve approximately 2,000 new mental health posts in the intervening period. In line with the commitment to develop early intervention mental health services for those under 18, €5 million has been allocated to primary care. Of this, €3.4 million will fund the recruitment of 114 assistant psychologists in primary care. Of the 114 posts, 111 positions have been accepted and these assistant psychologists have taken up employment. The development of assistant psychology grades will help the HSE primary care service to be more responsive to the needs of children requiring psychological therapies. This should, in turn, reduce the demand on CAMHS and also help to meet the demand from Tusla for psychological support for children in care.

The work of the oversight group will also look at the issues currently facing mental health in Ireland. The oversight group is tasked with refreshing the still well-regarded mental health policy, A Vision for Change, identifying gaps in implementation and updating it to the current mental health context. The oversight group has emphasised the importance of consultation through focus groups and stakeholder groups in the formation of final recommendations. These consultations are anticipated to commence later this month. It should also be emphasised that the formation of the joint committee has been warmly welcomed by the oversight group. The work of the committee will help to ensure that the policy refresh has political support and it will facilitate additional voices from this area as well as examining further areas for attention.

This continued focus of Government on mental health as a priority is essential to ensure that those who require assistance are in a position to access appropriate supports.

The Department of Health and the A Vision for Change oversight committee will continue to work with the Oireachtas joint committee to safeguard mental health in Ireland.

When I came in, Deputy McGuinness was speaking and I wish to comment on one point he made. He said each of us in this Chamber has identified a family member with a mental health issue. A family member of mine had a mental health issue and is continuing to be looked after by the mental health services. Mental illness is a hidden secret in many families and communities. Parents are lost and confused when it knocks on their door. Most of all, they blame themselves for where they went wrong. If they did not go wrong, they ask what happened to make the person end up with such a mental illness. What sinks into one after a while is fear that somebody might take his or her life or do something we cannot predict.

I commend all the members of the committee. I hope it continues to exist.

The Departments of Health and Education and Skills are putting together a well-being programme for schools covering mental and physical health. We have appointed Dr. Donal O'Shea to address dual diagnosis. He is working with a group to examine evening accident and emergency department admissions in this regard. Deputy Harty spoke about how we can deal with this in the confines of an accident and emergency unit rather than by sending people home.

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