Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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844. To ask the Minister for Health if a series of matters relating to mental health services (details supplied) will be examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36336/18]

Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Mental health is a priority for the Government. This is reflected through significant increases in the funding committed to this area. The HSE Mental Health budget has been increased by over €200 million since 2012. Around €911 million has been provided for the Executive this year.

The Government recognises the need to provide effective and timely care for those in need. The range of services raised by the Deputy continue to be developed as part of implementation of A Vision for Change, and are reflected in the agreed HSE annual Service Plans.

In relation to crisis access to mental health services, steps were initially taken to progress the improved out-of-hours access to mental health services initiative in 2017. The HSE mapped all  114 Adult Mental Teams to determine the existing level of 7/7 service provision. The results of this exercise showed that there currently is approximately 60% coverage across the nine CHOs of 7/7 cover comprising of a combination of Assertive Outreach, Home-Based Treatment Teams and nurse-provided cover.

As part of Programme for Government funding in 2017, approximately €4.5 million was sought and was granted for the staffing and non-staffing costs associated with an enhanced service. A consultation process with all nine CHOs then took place to agree staffing numbers and professions. The HSE is now in final stages of recruiting staff required to deliver 7/7 Mental Health service cover for the areas that do not currently have a service in place. The HSE have recruited approximately 50% of the additional staff required to provide a countrywide 7/7 Mental Health service, with interviews for remaining posts completed around mid-August last. 

Additional approaches are also being considered to ensure that those in need of services and support can access these services in the most effective way. It is likely that the future development in Digital response to Mental Health issues will form a part of the overall response. I am strongly supportive of the increased use of technology in the delivery of mental health services, particularly that relating to Prevention and Early Intervention. I am progressing a tele-psychiatry pilot project to ascertain the merits of delivering care from a distance using technology and video-conferencing.