Ivor Callely (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 280: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the percentage of the total allocated health budget that is allocated to mental health services; the percentage allocation for the years 1980, 1981, 1982, 1990, 1991, 1992, 2000, 2001 and 2002; and the allocation for the development of autistic services. [41333/06]

Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)
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The information requested by the Deputy is outlined in the table.

When examining mental health expenditure as a proportion of total health spending, it is important to note that the scope of services provided under the overall health heading has widened considerably. Services in a range of areas such as child care, older persons and intellectual disability have been substantially expanded since 1980 and have led to an increase in total health spending. As a result, it is not very informative to compare mental health spending as a proportion of total health expenditure over a number of years. In fact, the Government has trebled mental health expenditure in the period 1997 to 2006, from €326m to €835m.

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy in relation to autistic services. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.