Colm Keaveney (Galway East, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1026. To ask the Minister for Health in reference to the statement (details supplied) which referenced the allocation of €20 million for investment in mental health in 2014, where she said, we, the mental health service, are getting €20 million this year and I have guaranteed that the additional €15 million will be available next year, if he will confirm that his Department has made this guarantee; if so, if he will restate that guarantee in response to this question; if this €15 million will be on top of the €35 million per year that the Programme for Government committed to be ringfenced each year for investment in mental health; if he will state the conditionality attached to this guarantee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45659/13]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Mental health has again succeeded in obtaining a substantial ring-fenced allocation, within the overall budgetary context. The current economic environment presents a significant challenge for the health system generally in delivering services. However, mental health is being treated as a priority in so far as we can.

The announcement in Budget 2014 of €20 million ring-fenced for mental health is in line with a commitment in the Programme for Government to accelerate the pace of change to develop a modern, patient-centred, and recovery orientated mental health service. This €20 million ring-fenced in Budget 2014 for mental health means that, despite serious resource pressures overall, funding of €90 million has been made available since 2012 up to end 2014, which has been specifically ear-marked for mental health and suicide prevention.

I can confirm to the Deputy that I have been assured that the remaining €15 million which was due in 2014 for mental health will be restored in 2015. I will also be advocating for an allocation of €35 million in 2015 for mental health.