Pat Buckley (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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288. To ask the Minister for Health the estimated cost of the provision of a 24-7 crisis support service for mental health; the estimated set up costs and the required annual budget. [12094/16]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The National Service Plan 2016 sets out as one of its goals an improved 24/7 response through investment in additional liaison psychiatry services, through an enhanced community mental health services provision seven days a week and investment in the development and staffing of crisis houses.

Funding is being made available in 2016 to facilitate the transfer of some patients from the Forensic Mental Health Services to the community, for high observation in acute mental health units and the improvement of 24/7 services through additional liaison psychiatry services. Other new developments proposed in the 2016 National Service Plan include new clinical programmes for dual diagnosis and adults with ADHD and provision of additional clinical space in community services. The existing clinical programmes directed at eating disorders, self-harm in Emergency Departments and early intervention in psychosis are also being progressed.

In relation to the estimated costs involved in 24/7 crisis support services, as this is a service issue this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. If the Deputy has not received a reply within 15 working days, please contact me Private Office and they will follow up the matter with him.