Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for his point acknowledging that recruiting psychiatrists is a challenge but also highlighting the increase in numbers while vacancies remain. Given its analysis, the Public Service Pay Commission proposed that the parties to the public service stability agreement jointly consider what further measures could be taken to address the pay differential between pre-existing and new entrant consultants, which has increased following the settlement of the 2008 consultant contract claim.

The Departments of Public Expenditure and Reform and Health have noted the commission's views and consideration will be given to solutions that are line with public sector pay policy and available budgets.

We will now prepare the HSE service plan for 2019. A significant budget is in place for the delivery of mental health services, which will exceed €1 billion, and an additional €55 million will be available for the development of mental health services. The Minister of State, Deputy Daly, also remains eager to identify other ways of supporting mental health services. An example of this was the assistant psychology posts this year, with 111 of 114 filled successfully nationally. I accept there is much more to do but we will look to see how to further progress it in the context of the HSE service plan.

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