Written answers

Wednesday, 14 December 2011

Department of Health

Mental Health Services

10:00 pm

Photo of Patrick NultyPatrick Nulty (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 276: To ask the Minister for Health if the €50 million efficiency savings for mental health services, disability services and child care as per the comprehensive expenditure review 2012-2014 are intended to be used to fund the €50 million additional funding for mental health services and primary care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40209/11]

Photo of James ReillyJames Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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There is no doubt that there are challenges facing the mental health, disability and childcare services as a result of reduced resources by way of an additional efficiency target of €50m in 2012. This target is in addition to savings in employment and procurement costs which are required of the health services as a whole next year. The precise levels of savings required will vary depending on the profile of individual service providers and will be determined within the context of the HSE's service planning process. It is clear that the acceleration of the health reform programme and reducing our dependency on costly staff-intensive models of service, will be central to ensuring that these efficiency targets are met.

I am, however, pleased to be in a position to provide additional ring-fenced funding of €35m for mental health services in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government. This funding will further advance the implementation of 'A Vision for Change' – the Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy. It will

(i) enable the HSE to enhance the multi-disciplinary composition of the existing adult and child & adolescent community mental health teams;

(ii) focus on key priorities in mental health; and

(iii) increase the availability of psychological and counselling services at primary care level.

As 90% of mental health needs are dealt with in primary care settings, this funding will assist in developing closer links between mental health services and primary care.

The balancing €15m which was provided under the Programme for Government commitments will provide for free GP access to holders of a Long Term Illness Card.

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