Mark Ward (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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1090. To ask the Minister for Health the budget for mental health provision in 2020; the priority areas to which the funding will be allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15024/20]

Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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Budget 2020 increased funding to HSE mental health services by €39 million to €1.026 billion. This is an increase of over €315 million since 2012, or 44%, and represents a continued commitment to mental health.

Of the 2020 Budget, €13 million is for the continued roll-out of new developments in 2020, including the new National Forensic Hospital in Portrane, and progression of the recently launched national mental health policy, Sharing the Vision - A Mental Health Policy for Everyone.

€26 million has been allocated for other costs, including pay, which will be used to maintain funding and enhance existing services.

To date, €0.382 million new development funding has been released for the Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) Connect and a dialectical behaviour therapy training project.

Additionally, the Department of Health and Sláintecare have allocated €2.2 million for a mental health promotion and well-being campaign. This funding is enabling the HSE to provide enhanced online and telephone supports for health professionals and members of the public, for lower level mental health issues, such as stress and anxiety, arising from Covid-19.