Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Buckley for raising this important issue. I take this opportunity to emphasise that mental health remains a priority in the programme for Government. Since 2012, approximately €200 million, or 28%, has been added to the HSE mental health budget which is now €910 million. We have secured an additional €55 million for new developments in the recent budget. Despite serious financial pressures overall, 2019 will see a total HSE mental health budget of almost €1 billion, an increase of 40% on 2012. Dual diagnosis in particular has been given specific attention.

The HSE mental health division has recognised the need for a clinical programme for dual diagnosis to respond to people with substance misuse, both alcohol and-or drugs, together with mental illness. The aims of this programme are to develop a standardised evidence-based approach to the identification, assessment and treatment of comorbid mental illness and substance misuse. This includes increasing awareness of the frequent co-existence of mental illness and substance misuse; ensuring there is a clear pathway for management of people with such a dual diagnosis including when they present to emergency departments; ensuring a standardised service is provided throughout the country; and ensuring adolescents are also included within the scope of the clinical programme. An additional €2 million in funding was made available from the €35 million of new development funding for mental health in 2016 to address the specific needs of homeless persons in the Dublin region, with a particular focus on mental health needs.

A key requirement was that any mental health supports provided would be provided as part of an overall cohesive response to homelessness. This €2 million has helped to fund the expansion of in-reach services and supports for temporary accommodation for charities such as the Peter McVerry Trust, Crosscare, Sophia Housing Association and Dublin Simon Community. The additional funding has continued to be provided to fund these additional services for homeless people with mental health and addiction needs. As part of these services, the Assertive Community Care Evaluation Services, ACCES, team is based in Parkgate House, Conyngham Road, Dublin. This specialist community mental health team for homeless people is a service that liaises with homeless agencies to ensure that people within homeless services who are very unwell can access appropriate mental healthcare. I understand that ACCES is currently unable to take on new referrals. I take Deputy Buckley's earlier point. The HSE has informed me that there are vacancies at psychologist, social worker and occupational therapist levels. While the psychologist is on maternity leave and is due back in March 2019, the HSE is attempting to recruit the new social worker through the national recruitment service and the occupational therapist has been recently appointed and is awaiting a start date.

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