Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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152. To ask the Minister for Health the total amount of spending on mental health as recently announced in budget 2017 broken down by capital and current spending, in tabular form; the percentage and absolute spending change in each category from budget 2016; the total projected budget for new services coming on stream in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33906/16]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The following table shows the projected current and capital expenditure for 2016 and 2017.

* it should be noted that €7 million of the current expenditure for 2016 was spent on capital works.

The estimate for Mental Health current spending in 2017 is €851.3 million, an increase of €24.7 million, or approximately 3%, over 2016. In addition, a further €50 million will be provided for the construction of the new national forensic hospital in Portrane. This development is long overdue and the signing of the main construction contract will allow for its completion in line with A Vision for Change.

I am initiating €35 million in new mental health services in 2017. Key priorities to be addressed in the HSE's 2017 Service Plan include youth mental health, further improvement to child & adolescent and adult services, older people's services and further enhanced out of hours response for those in need of urgent services. Recognising the time lag in new staff taking up posts and the completion of preparations for the introduction of these services, it is estimated that the revenue spend in 2017 associated with this increased allocation will be some €15 million. There will also be a further additional spend of €9.7 million in mental health associated with increased pay rates.

Following the Budget announcement and the issue of the letter of determination the HSE is working on its 2017 National Service Plan which will be submitted to the Department of Health shortly for the consideration of the Minister for Health prior to approval and publication.