Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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496. To ask the Minister for Health if he will indicate where gaps exist in the speech and language, child psychology and occupational services nationally, by county or Health Service Executive area, including child and adolescent mental health services; if his Department has funding to fill these gaps; if so, the recruitment initiatives that have been, or are being, undertaken to fill these gaps; the waiting list numbers that exist for the corresponding shortages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29839/15]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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In line with Programme for Government commitments, our priority has been to modernise mental health services, and to resource implementation of the widely agreed policy A Vision for Change.

In this context, this Government has provided, since 2012, additional ring-fenced funding of €125 million thus resulting in around 1,150 posts of the type required to re-balance services towards greater community based provision. The funding is focused, for example, to strengthening Community Mental Health Teams for both adults and children; to enhancing specialist community mental health services for older people with a mental illness; and catering for those with an intellectual disability and mental illness. It is also developing forensic mental health services; promoting access to counselling and psychotherapy in Primary Care; and enhancing suicide prevention measures.

As the Deputy's question relates to detailed service issues, the question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. If the Deputy has not received a reply within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.