Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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27. To ask the Minister for Health the reason the programme for Government commitment to an annual ring-fenced allocation of €35 million for community health services is not being honoured in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48049/13]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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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 ringfenced 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 further ringfenced funding 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.