Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 336: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will increase the level of funding provided to mental health services in her 2007 budget in view of the dramatic decrease, proportionate to overall budget, in funding for such services seen in recent years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39157/06]

Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)
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Increased investment in mental health services has accelerated the move from institutionally provided services to community-based services and has provided for increases in the number of consultant psychiatrists in the public health service. The report of the expert group on mental health policy, entitled 'A Vision for Change', was launched on 24th January 2006. This provides a framework for action to develop a modern, high quality mental health service over the next 7 to 10 years. In 2006, a sum of €26.2 million has been allocated for the further development of our mental health services in line with 'A Vision for Change'. This includes €1.2 million provided to the National Office for Suicide Prevention for initiatives and research in accordance with "Reach Out", The National Strategy for Action on Suicide Prevention.

The Deputy will appreciate that I cannot at this stage give specific commitments in relation to the level of expenditure in 2007 as the budgetary allocation for mental health services has yet to be determined.