John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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659. To ask the Minister for Health to provide a commitment that all the funding allocated to mental health stays within mental health areas for the duration of the term of the 32nd Dáil; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22586/16]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Since 2012, additional ring-fenced mental health funding of €160 million has been provided to the Mental Health Services. This includes €35 million for 2016.

The €35 million allocation will fund new service developments. The HSE National Service Plan 2016 identifies priorities for allocation of the €35 million, including the continued development of early intervention and counselling services across both primary and secondary care; the provision of three new Jigsaw mental health services in Cork, Dublin City Centre and Limerick; the continued development of Community Mental Health teams; improved 24/7 response and Liaison Services; services for Psychiatry of Later Life; Perinatal Mental Health, and two new mental health clinical programmes, specifically for ADHD in Adults and Children, and for Dual Diagnosis of those with Mental Illness and Substance Misuse.

It is intended that all funding for mental health will stay within mental health areas.